A tale of two lintels: The National Museum welcomes back Thailand’s long-lost treasures

13 Sept 13:21 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's National Museum now displays two ancient stone lintels, Prasat Nong Hong and Prasat Khao Lon, recently repatriated from the Asia Art Museum in San Francisco after decades abroad.
These 9th-10th century Khmer artifacts were looted from Thai temples in the 1960s, smuggled internationally, and eventually acquired by American tycoon Avery Brundage before being donated to the San Francisco museum.
The successful repatriation was spearheaded by archaeologist Tanongsak Harnwong, who revived the "cold case" in 2016, leading to a three-year collaborative investigation between the Thai government and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The Asia Art Museum's inability to provide provenance documentation for the lintels' export from Thailand was crucial in proving their illegal removal, facilitating their return.
This achievement marks a new standard for Thailand's efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage, with approximately 300 more stolen antiquities still awaiting repatriation from museums worldwide.

The Buddha comes home

20 Oct 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is an annual three-day festival in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, where the Shan people celebrate the Buddha's mythical return from Tavatimsa heaven, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
Families construct intricate "Chong Para" miniature palaces, decorated with colorful paper and ornaments, as an act of faith and a means of preserving traditional Shan craftsmanship across generations.
The festival transforms the quiet mountain town with vibrant folk music, traditional Shan bird dances, martial arts performances, and lively processions, immersing visitors in local culture.
It offers a unique glimpse into the living Shan traditions of Mae Hong Son, distinct from other northern Thai regions, fostering community bonds and cultural transmission.