South-east Asian countries demand Denver museum return looted artefacts

Officials from Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand accuse the Denver Art Museum of possessing stolen antiquities and asked for return of eight pieces that were looted from temples and historical sites

High-level government representatives from three south-east Asian countries have complained that the Denver Art Museum continues to possesses looted artefacts and are demanding them back - as stolen antiquities remain an ongoing problem in US institutions.

Officials from Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand have formally asked the Denver Art Museum (DAM) in Colorado to return eight pieces that were looted from temples and historical sites, the Denver Post first reported. The government officials notified DAM in May and June through correspondence from US investigators.