Thailand sends experts to examine ‘Golden Boy’ in the United States before returning it.

The Art Department sends experts to inspect the ‘Golden Boy-Women Sculpture’ in the United States. before sending it back to Thailand

April 26, 2024 – Mr. Sermsak Phongpanich, Minister of Culture, revealed that following the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET), United States, he requested to return two bronze sculpture antiques, which there was evidence of being stolen. taken out of Thailand illegally Known as the Golden Boy (Golden Boy) and female sculptures. Therefore, the Fine Arts Department was assigned to coordinate the details of the process for receiving the said 2 antiques. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) has now informed Thailand to send experts to examine the artefacts that will be returned. Ms. Nittaya Kanokmongkol, Director of the National Museum, Fine Arts Department, was assigned to travel to join the inspection on April 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. local time in New York, USA, which corresponds to 10:00 p.m. Thailand time. In this connection, details and deadlines for the return will be discussed.

A memorandum of understanding will also be signed between the Fine Arts Department and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) for academic museum cooperation. with Mr. Phanombut Chandrachote, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, and Mr. Max Hollen, Director and Executive Chairman of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. is a signatory of the memorandum of understanding and Miss Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General in New York, United States, was a witness.

”Returning antiques this time The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) will cover return costs. and is expected to arrive in Thailand around May This is considered good news for all Thai people. to receive valuable antiques back to Thailand Details of the progress will be announced in the next period,” said the Culture Minister.