AS the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) in New York City is returning two antique bronze sculptures to Thailand, the Culture Ministry has sent a team there to hold talks with the management on doing so with the two antiques expected to arrive here next month,, Thai Rath newspaper said today (Apr. 26).
Culture Minister Sermsak Phongpanich said there is evidence that the two antique bronze sculptures, one entitled “Golden Boy” and the other a figure of a woman, were taken out of Thailand illegally.
The Met had told Thailand to send an expert to examine the two antiques and Ms. Nitaya Kanokmongkol, director of the National Museum, Fine Arts Department, was assigned to do so and she has an appointment at 11 a.m. in New York City today (10 p.m. in Thailand).
In addition an memorandum of understanding on academic cooperation will be signed by Fine Arts Department Director-General Phanombut Chantarachote and the Met Director Max Hollein.
Moreover the Met will be covering the cost of returning the two antiques to Thailand with this being good news for all Thais.
CAPTION:
The Golden Boy and seated woman antique bronze sculptures being returned to Thailand by the Met, above, and on display at the Met, Front Page. Photos: Thai Rath
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