AKP Phnom Penh, July 06, 2025 --

Cambodia has agreed to cover the transportation costs for 20 Khmer antiquities after Thailand announced it could not proceed with the repatriation due to financial limitations.

The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has urged Thailand’s Ministry of Culture to honor the agreement and timeline previously set for the return of the artefacts, which Thailand had earlier committed to repatriate.

In a letter addressed to suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—who is currently serving as Thailand’s Minister of Culture—Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts H.E. Mrs. Phoeurng Sackona confirmed that Cambodia will take responsibility for the transportation expenses, in accordance with the agreement reached by both sides in April.

She noted that both countries had planned to hold a handover ceremony in Bangkok in July, with the artefacts scheduled to be transferred to Cambodia in August.

The letter was issued following a Thai government statement on July 4, announcing a suspension of the repatriation process. Minister Paetongtarn attributed the delay to insufficient funding.

By Phen Rattanak