A curious diplomatic situation is unfolding as one nation makes a striking offer to reclaim its ancient treasures. Cambodia has firmly told its neighbor it is ready to pay all costs to bring home 20 ancient artifacts. This comes after Paetongtarn Shinawatra, acting as Culture Minister, earlier claimed there wasn’t enough money to ship the items.
Phoeurng Sakona, Cambodia’s Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, sent a clear letter to the Thai government on July 6, 2025. The letter urged them to quickly send back 20 Khmer artifacts currently held in Thailand. The Cambodian minister made it very plain: her nation would cover every penny of the transport expenses. It’s an unusual move, showing a strong desire to get these historical pieces back.
The situation turned strange after Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s temporarily suspended Prime Minister and current Culture Minister, spoke on July 4. She suggested the return of the artifacts might need to wait. She said Thailand’s Fine Arts Department simply didn’t have the budget for it this year. No funds were set aside for this specific task. Paetongtarn also hinted that Thai cultural officials needed to “carefully review” the current relationship between the two countries before moving forward.
However, Cambodia’s statement quickly pushed back against any delays. They pointed to a shared agreement made when Paetongtarn visited Phnom Penh in April 2025. During that trip, both sides talked and even set an official date for the handover. The letter from Minister Sakona even outlined the plan: a handover ceremony in Bangkok this July 2025. Then, the actual movement of the artifacts from Thailand to Cambodia would begin in August. Cambodia emphasized their willingness to pay for all shipping, ensuring it wouldn’t touch Thailand’s culture ministry budget.
These 20 artifacts are deeply important. They are from the ancient Khmer civilization. Cambodia has long claimed them based on historical and cultural proofs. Their return has been a topic of many diplomatic talks between the two nations for a long time. Now, with Cambodia’s open offer to foot the bill, the ball is clearly in Thailand’s court, testing the limits of its “budget” concerns.