US to return four Prakhon Chai artefacts to Thailand

23 Sept 02:29 Key points summarised by AI

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is returning four ancient Thai statues, including three Bodhisattva and one Buddha, which were smuggled out of Thailand over 60 years ago.
These 'Prakhon Chai artefacts' were looted from Buri Ram province, sold to a British art dealer, and subsequently smuggled into the US.
Thailand's Fine Arts Department, with assistance from US Homeland Security, has been working since 2020 to secure the return of these valuable cultural items, culminating in the museum's committee agreeing to their repatriation.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.