(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona sent a letter to Thai Minister of Culture Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the suspension of the repatriation of the 20 pieces of Khmer artifacts, citing the lack of transportation funds.

“I would like to remind you that during your official visit as prime minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on 23 April 2025 in Phnom Penh, the Royal Governments of the two countries (Cambodia and Thailand) jointly announced the agreement to repatriate the 20 pieces of Khmer artifacts, which are the precious heritage of Khmer people, to Cambodia. The official handover date and procedures have been agreed upon by the technical working groups of the two ministries. The handover ceremony will be held in Bangkok in July 2025, and the transportation from Thailand to Cambodia will begin in August 2025. All transportation costs will be borne by Cambodia and will not be related to any budget burden of the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand,” according to the announcement dated 6 July 2025.

“Therefore, I request the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand to proceed with the implementation of the agreement within the agreed timeframe, in order to avoid any further delays. The Cambodian side will assume full responsibility for all costs associated with this transportation.”
=FRESH NEWS