The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco has formally returned four ancient bronze sculptures to Thailand, concluding a process that involved research and cooperation between U.S. and Thai authorities. The handover ceremony took place at the museum on December 8, 2025, with the attendance of Thailand’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse; Consul General Tor Saralamba; Executive Director of the Office of National Museums of Thailand, Ms. Nitaya Kanokmongkol; representatives from the Thai American community; museum leadership; and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
The sculptures were part of the museum’s collection for decades and were recently displayed in an exhibition called Moving Objects: Learning from Local and Global Communities. Research found that these items had been illegally removed from Thailand in the 1960s before being acquired by Avery Brundage, the museum’s founding collector. A joint investigation involving U.S. Homeland Security, Thai researchers, and curators from the Asian Art Museum linked the objects to Douglas Latchford, who was later indicted for trafficking Southeast Asian antiquities.
Following confirmation of their origins, museum staff and the San Francisco City Attorney recommended working with Thai officials to return the pieces. The Asian Art Commission approved this action through a two-stage voting process held in September 2024 and again on April 22, 2025.
“This return is the result of careful research, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to doing what is right,” said Soyoung Lee, The Barbara Bass Bakar Director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum. “These sculptures have been part of our history for nearly half a century, but their rightful place is in Thailand. It is an honor to be a part of their return home.”
Lee also noted ongoing cooperation among all parties involved: “We deeply appreciate the partnership of the Thai government, the local Thai American community, and our colleagues at Homeland Security,” she said. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Thailand in sharing knowledge and celebrating the richness of Thai art and culture with audiences here and around the world.”
Final transport procedures will be managed by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department together with Homeland Security Investigations and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles.
The Asian Art Museum holds more than 20,000 works spanning ancient jades to contemporary installations at its location in San Francisco.
