07/07/2025
Heritage Without Borders: Why Cambodia’s Commitment to Repatriation Deserves Respect
When culture and history are at stake, excuses should never stand in the way of justice. Cambodia’s decision to fund the return of 20 Khmer artifacts from Thailand, after Bangkok cited budget delays and border tensions, is more than a gesture of goodwill—it is a principled stand for cultural dignity.
A Broken Commitment, a Clear Response
In April 2025, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to return 20 Khmer artifacts held in Thai custody. A joint working group finalized the timeline, with a handover ceremony planned in July and transportation beginning in August.
But on July 4, Thailand’s Minister of Culture Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced a postponement, citing insufficient budget from the Fine Arts Department and “ongoing border tensions.” This delay disregards the original agreement and raises doubts about Thailand’s willingness to follow through.
In response, Cambodia’s Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, H.E. Phoeurng Sackona, formally notified Thailand on July 6 that Cambodia is ready to bear the full cost of transportation. By removing all financial and logistical obstacles, Cambodia has demonstrated seriousness, sincerity, and respect for bilateral cooperation.
Culture Is Not a Bargaining Chip
The 20 artifacts in question—some from the Angkorian period—are indisputably Khmer. They originated in what is today Cambodian territory and hold deep historical, spiritual, and cultural meaning. Their rightful home is not a matter of opinion, but of fact, reinforced by documentation submitted by Cambodia and acknowledged in past agreements.
To delay their return on the grounds of unrelated political tensions or internal budget processes is not only unjust—it is a betrayal of shared regional heritage. Cultural property should never become collateral damage in geopolitical disputes.
Cambodia Leads by Example
Cambodia’s offer to finance the return is not just generous—it is strategic and ethical. It affirms that the preservation and restitution of heritage must come before politics. It echoes Cambodia’s global leadership in repatriation, including the landmark recovery of hundreds of stolen objects from private collectors abroad, such as the Latchford collection in the United States.
By removing all excuses, Cambodia has made it clear that it stands for cultural justice. Now, the responsibility lies with Thailand to honor its word and return the artifacts as scheduled.
Thailand has a chance to reinforce trust and cooperation by publicly reaffirming the original agreement and issuing a revised timeline for the return. Failure to do so will only deepen doubts and cast an unfortunate shadow over what should have been a proud moment for both countries.
Cambodia does not seek confrontation—it seeks the fulfillment of a promise. With the logistics resolved and the history clear, there is no legitimate reason for delay. Only action remains.
Source : Khmer Times
