Latest news with #MinistryofCultureandFineArts
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia ready to fund transport of 20 antiquities from Thailand
BANGKOK: The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has urged Thailand to respect the agreement to return 20 ancient antiquities, after Thailand's delay was attributed to budget constraints. According to a Khmer Times report on Monday (July 7), the ministry also called on Thai authorities to adhere to the previously agreed timeframe and terms of the repatriation. In a letter addressed to Thai Minister of Culture Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona confirmed that Cambodia will take responsibility for the transportation costs, in accordance with the agreement reached by both sides in April. 'I request the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand to proceed with the implementation of the agreement within the agreed timeframe in order to avoid any further delays. The Cambodian side will assume full responsibility for all costs associated with this transportation,' she stated. In 2000, Thai authorities seized 43 Cambodian antiquities illegally imported from Singapore. Over the years, 23 items were returned to Cambodia following Cabinet approvals in 2009 and 2015. The remaining 20 antiquities were under review due to unclear origins. After the Cambodian government submitted documentary evidence of ownership, Thailand's Fine Arts Department verified the artifacts as being of Cambodian origin. In 2024, the Thai Cabinet, under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, approved the repatriation. Nation TV reported the Fine Arts Department's statement on April 25, which confirmed that the cultural ministries of both countries had coordinated the logistics for the handover. This will involve a land transfer via Siem Reap, expected to take place around July 2025. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Opinion - No stone for stealing: Cambodia rightfully rejects Thailand's fabricated claim over Ta Moan Temple
A Cambodian soldier stands guard at Ta Moan Temple complex, in Preah Vihear province. - Photo: supplied PHNOM PENH: Culture is not a weapon, and history is not a game. Yet once again, the Thai government — through the voice of its suspended prime minister and current Minister of Culture, Paetongtarn Shinawatra — has attempted to distort both. Her Friday (July 4) claim that the Ta Moan Temple complex falls under Thai sovereignty is not only historically inaccurate, it is legally baseless and diplomatically reckless. Cambodia categorically rejects this provocation. In a firm and dignified statement, Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts reminded the world of what should already be well known: the Ta Moan complex lies entirely within Cambodian territory, as clearly defined by the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907. These binding legal documents — recognised and respected by the international community — established the border long before today's political opportunists tried to redraw it with arrogance and unilateralism. The 1:200,000-scale map that both nations agreed to follow under a 2000 memorandum of understanding is not a matter of opinion — it is a legal commitment. For Thailand to now ignore that agreement and present a domestic registration from 1962 as grounds for sovereignty over a Khmer temple is absurd. International law does not bend to bureaucratic daydreams. Let us be clear: registering a temple within your national archives does not change its location. Cultural artifacts and sacred sites do not teleport across borders with the stroke of a minister's pen. The Ta Moan complex — like Ta Moan Tauch and Ta Krabei — is not Thai. It is Khmer in architecture, Khmer in spirit and Khmer in rightful ownership. Cambodia has not remained idle. On June 16, the Royal Government of Cambodia submitted a formal request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to adjudicate the dispute, reaffirming our confidence in law over force, and diplomacy over distortion. While Cambodia seeks resolution through legal channels, Thailand continues to provoke through press statements, propaganda, and at times, military presence. It is profoundly disappointing that the Thai Ministry of Culture — an institution that should promote understanding and mutual respect — has instead chosen to inflame tensions and insult the dignity of heritage stewardship. The Cambodian people have always protected our temples — not as trophies, but as symbols of a civilisation that flourished long before Thailand even existed in its modern form. We do not seek confrontation. We seek respect for borders, law and truth. The world is watching. And history is not on Thailand's side. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN [Roth Santepheap is a Phnom Penh-based geopolitical analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.]
Barnama
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, & Thailand: April 23, 2025
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21. On behalf of the government and Cambodians, Manet extends condolences to the Holy See and the global Catholic community. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh launched the Cambodia-China Cultural Corridor in the capital to showcase the rich culture of both nations. It will also help to deepen people-to-people ties. BREAKS GROUND ON GLOBAL ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL IN DEPOK -- JAKARTA GLOBE Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar on Tuesday inaugurated the construction of the Pesantren Istiqlal Internasional Indonesia (PIII), a modern Islamic boarding school aimed at integrating Islamic education, scientific knowledge, and environmental awareness. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the International Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII) in Depok. OF ALL FAITHS MOURN DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS -- THE JAKARTA POST The death of Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, has left Indonesian Catholics and non-Catholics nationwide mourning for the late Argentine pontiff, who is remembered for his humility and leadership that emphasised tolerance and peace within the Church. LAOS PRAISES THAI ROYAL FAMILY FOR DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT -- VIENTIANE TIMES During the visit of Princess Maha Chakei Siridhorn of Thailand to Laos, President Thongloun Sisoulith lauded the Thai Royal family for its contribution to the nation's development. They have supported health, education, agriculture, the environment, infrastructure and technology development. CRITICAL IN SHAPING THE NATION, SAYS PRESIDENT. -- VIENTIANE TIMES President Thongloun Sisoulith urged youth to be part of nation-building while addressing the 70th anniversary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union in Vientiane yesterday, The younger generation should take more responsibilities and become productive members of society. MYANMAR ASSESS EARTHQUAKE-HIT BUILDINGS - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Mandalay Region Construction Entrepreneurs Association conducted structural assessments of more than 200 earthquake-affected buildings in Mandalay after the major natural disaster on March 28. Experts will also organise a panel discussion to raise public awareness of earthquake hazards soon. OF HIGH-RISE APARTMENTS DECLINE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Real Estate Services Association said the demand for high-rise apartments has declined in Yangon after the earthquake last month. People are fearful of living in tall buildings and prefer landed properties. This has affected the property market. SINGAPORE FIVE QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED ON NOMINATION DAY -- THE STRAITS TIMES The ruling PAP is expected to face contests in all 97 seats, with 10 opposition parties likely to field candidates in every constituency when nomination proceedings close at noon on April 23. 'TEMPTING PROPOSALS' TO MANAGE COST OF LIVING WILL BE MADE BUT NOT ALL ARE SOUND, SAYS PM WONG -- CNA Voters may hear about many 'tempting' and 'appealing' proposals to manage cost-of-living pressures during the General Election, but Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (Apr 22) warned that not all of these are sound and could put public finances and the economy at risk. THAILAND 1. TOURISM MINISTRY LOWERS 2025 REVENUE FORECAST TO 3 TRILLION BAHT-- The Nation The Tourism and Sports Ministry has revised its tourism revenue forecast for 2025 down to 3 trillion baht, citing both domestic and international factors that may impact the industry. 2. PUSH FOR CHIANG MAI UNESCO NOMINATION -- Bangkok Post The government is set to nominate Chiang Mai as a Unesco World Heritage Site by 2026 to commemorate the northern city's 730th anniversary. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
