13 Khmer Artifacts to be Returned to Cambodia from San Francisco

Phnom penh: The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has formally agreed to return 13 significant Khmer artifacts to Cambodia, as announced by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in a press release issued this morning. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this milestone follows the unanimous vote of the Asian Art Commission on September 24, 2025, which confirmed the restitution of objects removed from Cambodia in violation of national laws. The decision was supported by findings from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Cambodian researchers, and museum provenance teams. The group of returned masterpieces includes statues of deities, stone heads, a lion, and important carved architectural elements. Evidence reviewed by museum officials and investigators confirmed that these objects were linked to networks associated with Douglas Latchford and were removed unlawfully during periods of civil war and instability. H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, welcomed the decision by stating t hat each of these returned masterpieces is a living fragment of Cambodian identity. Their return represents not only the restoration of cultural memory but also the healing of wounds left by decades of conflict and heritage loss. The Minister also highlighted the importance of sharing provenance information and applauded the Asian Art Museum for its transparency in sharing provenance research and documentation with Cambodia. This openness has been essential in uncovering the truth about these artworks' histories and finding justice in this case. When institutions share provenance information freely and in good faith, it strengthens efforts to restore Cambodia's cultural heritage and return sacred objects to the communities to which they belong. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts extended its sincere appreciation to the Asian Art Museum and its City Attorney's Office, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Ministry's teams including archaeologists, researchers, provenance specialists, and international partners. Special thanks were also extended to Bradley J. Gordon of Edenbridge Asia and Melina Antoniadis of NOSTOS Strategies for their crucial role in negotiations and coordination.