Prime minister is pleased with return of 12 prehistoric artifacts

BANGKOK, Oct 6 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is pleased with the return of 12 prehistoric artifacts from the United States, said government spokesman Sansern Kaewkumnerd. The return proved the first successful step of the Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to Thailand that the government formed and pinned high hope on, he said. “The prime minister is grateful to the US for its great facilitation leading to the successful mission. He urged the Culture Ministry to register them as national treasures, repair damaged and deteriorating ones and keep them well for the sake of public education. Especially they will make the young generation proud to be Thai,” Lt Gen Sansern said. The Foreign Ministry organized a ceremony on Oct 4 to hand the 12 artifacts to the Fine Arts Department. The Thai embassy to Washington DC received them from an American donor. They consist of potteries, clay roller, clay anvil, and bronze bangle. Their age range is from 1,800 - 2,300 years to 3,000 - 4,300 years. All artifacts will be kept at the National Museum Storage in Klong Luang district of Pathum Thani province. Since 2001, 954 artifacts have been returned to Thailand. (TNA)