Central Investigation Police The suspect was arrested for illegally digging up more than 1,000 ancient antiques in the northern region and selling them. They found the antique "Bronze Cow" more than 1,600 years old. The accused had a turnover of more than 10 million baht in the past 3 years.
Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, commander of the Central Investigation Police, revealed that the police received a tip from a group that preserves antiques. It was found that there was a group that illegally dug. Trade antiques and objects of art by posting them for sale illegally through online channels. The police then joined in the investigation with the Fine Arts Department. and contact to purchase items advertised for sale before sending it to the Fine Arts Department for inspection It was found to be an ancient day. The Act on Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums which according to law It is forbidden to dig and search. or buy and sell antiques
From the investigation, it was found that the accused were brothers. And often posts pictures on Facebook while digging to find antiquities in various places. especially along the river and important historical sites in 9 provinces such as Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phayao and Sukhothai using metal scanners to inspect before digging. Then it will be posted for sale in online channels. and asked for a search warrant to inspect the place where the ancient objects were hidden for inspection. Three suspects were arrested: Mr. Thotsaporn, 26 years old, Mr. Thotsapon, 19 years old, and Mr. Srion, 46 years old, for committing the offense of being the collector. which antiques or objects of art that is hidden or buried and illegally taken to be one's own or another's and sold; check the bank accounts of the accused It was found that there was a monthly income of approximately 200,000 baht and a turnover in the account of more than 10 million baht in the past 3 years.
Mr. Phanombut Chandrachote, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, revealed that this time the arrest of the accused who illegally dug up ancient objects. Two important ancient objects were found: a bronze bull, more than 1,600 years old, Indian art, and a bronze elephant, which is a seal, more than 500 years old. Such objects have historical value in studying each era and how there has been evolution in the past. How do you communicate with neighboring countries? which is a value that cannot be assessed than reselling these items If any person encounters any unusual objects from encounters in agriculture or according to water sources and is not currently in use Should have an official from the Fine Arts Department come and inspect. Do not resell it because it may be against the law. And if examined, it is found that it is an ancient object. Those found will also receive 1/3 of the appraised value. Initially, the suspect was charged. Become a collector and purchase antiques or objects of art. and suppressed the ancient relics as their own and sold illegally.
Source: Thai News Agency
