07/04/2026
The Return to Cambodia of 20 Khmer Cultural Objects from Asian Private Collection
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has the honor to inform the public that twenty (20) Khmer cultural objects have been successfully repatriated from one of Asia's private collections. This restitution marks another important milestone in Cambodia's ongoing mission to reclaim and restore its ancestral heritage for future generation.
The returned collection features a diverse array of sandstone sculptures and bronze works. Highlights include exceptional statues from the Bayon period, believed to originate from the historic site of Angkor Thom. These artifacts are more than art; they are "living witnesses" to the spiritual heart of Khmer civilization and the genius of its ancestors. Upon their return, these treasures will significantly enhance the world's understanding of Cambodian history.
This repatriation was made possible through the expert guidance of a dedicated restitution team that played a key role in advising, structuring, and executing the discussions that led to the return of these objects. Central to these efforts was Imran Hamid Khwaja, a Partner at Tan Rajah & Cheah, one of Singapore's oldest law firms, and a distinguished litigator with extensive experience in international dispute resolution.
Mr. Khwaja and Bradley J. Gordon of Edenbridge Asia played a key role in structuring the return of these national treasures.
The return of these artefacts is a powerful affirmation of Cambodia's enduring pursuit of justice for its cultural heritage. We are profoundly grateful for the return of these souls to their homeland. Their return sends a clear message: the Cambodian people remain united in safeguarding their patrimony for all of humanity.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts expresses its deepest gratitude to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and former Prime Minister, and to Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, for their visionary leadership and the Win-Win Policy, which brought full peace and stability and created the necessary conditions for the recovery of Khmer cultural properties displaced during times of conflict.
The Ministry also extends its gratitude to the international partners and the restitution team who facilitated this return namely: the Ministry's Restitution Team, Bradley J. Gordon (Edenbridge Asia) legal advisor to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Melina Antoniadis (NOSTOS Strategies), and Imran Hamid Khwaja (Tan Rajah & Cheah).
The Ministry encourages other museums and private collectors holding Khmer artifacts to reach out and engage in professional dialogue regarding their potential return to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
