After a nationwide spate of thefts and damage done to important cultural sites, Phuket Vice Governor Wora-poj Ratthasima visited the Thalang National Museum yesterday to ensure its collection and other sites looked after by the Fine Arts Depart-ment remain safe.
Thalang Museum Curator Atjima Nukong told him all the museum's items were accounted for and properly protected.
Fine Arts Department director-general Kriengkrai Sampat-chalit called earlier for better security measures at ancient sites nationwide, after high-profile incidents of damage or theft reported in Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Rayong.
After meeting with staff at the Thalang museum, Vice Governor Worapoj and his entourage stopped to inspect the condition of the nearby Heroines' Monument. Built in 1967, the statues of Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn were found to still be in good condition.
Taking precautions
Vice Governor Worapoj Ratthasima said he had received reports from around the island about important statues and other objects. Although there have been no reports of loss or damage, he called on the public to keep an eye out to ensure that important cultural artifacts remain out of the hands or smugglers and thieves.
People should contact their local administrative body quickly if they witness any suspicious activity at key sites, he said.
Permit needed
Thalang Museum curator Atjima reminded tourists it is illegal to take antiques such as Buddha images out of the country.
People must obtain a clearance certificate from the museum to take even replica antique items out of the country, she said.
So far this year, the museum had inspected about 100 items to determine authenticity, she said. Last year some 98 antiques or replicas were seized by Customs officers at the airport from departing tourists who failed to get departure clearance papers issued for them, she said.
"We can't allow authentic items out of the country and we confiscate any broken parts or fragments we find, regardless of how old they might be."
Currently, there are 68 shops registered to sell antiques in Phuket and most cooperated with the Fine Arts Department, she said.
Legal loophole
However, she noted that a legal loophole that restricts her staff from seizing antiques at night has allowed some shops in Patong to subvert the law. "This is a very serious problem with the law," she said.
She was also worried about the ease with which antique items could be smuggled out of Phuket by boat.
