（A visitor photographs a 1,200-year-old Phra Khong Chai Buddha statue. /CFP）

On January 6, the National Museum of Thailand held a repatriation ceremony in Bangkok to receive four ancient bronze sculptures, known as Phra Khong Chai, that had been illegally smuggled out of the country and returned by the United States. The artifacts carry significant religious and historical value.

(A Phra Khong Chai Buddha statue on display. /CFP)

The bronzes were created several centuries ago and were originally enshrined at religious sites in northeastern Thailand. They were illegally removed from the country in 1964, later entered the international art market, and eventually made their way to the United States.

The ceremony was attended by Thai government officials, cultural heritage experts, and members of the public. Thai authorities said the repatriation marks an important achievement in bilateral cooperation on cultural heritage protection and reflects the international community’s continued commitment to combating illicit trafficking in cultural property.

(A visitor photographs a 1,200-year-old Phra Khong Chai Buddha statue. /CFP)

After confirming the artifacts’ provenance through diplomatic and law enforcement channels, the United States completed the return in accordance with the law. In recent years, the U.S. has stepped up cooperation with other countries to investigate and repatriate illegally exported cultural artifacts.

Following conservation and research, the Phra Khong Chai sculptures will be placed on long-term public display. The Thai government said it will continue working with the international community to recover smuggled artifacts and prevent further loss of cultural heritage.