LEGAL MEASURES ON THE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF THE ANCIENT BUDDHA STATUES UNDER THE ACT ON ANTIQUES OBJECTS OF ART AND NATIONAL MUSEUMS B.E. 2504

Abstract

This research article aimed to analyze the problems and legal measures in the conservation and protection of ancient Buddha statues. The qualitative research method used was documentary research, which collected data from the relating laws, articles, research reports, and other sources. The researcher created a tool for data collection through in-depth interviews with four key informants, namely 1. experts from the Fine Arts Department; 2. lawyers; 3. cultural scholars expertized in history, archeology, and religion; and 4. monks. Then the researcher used the gathered data to analyze the appropriate legal measures for the protection of the ancient Buddha statues in Thailand.

The research findings showed that a specific law to protect the ancient Buddha statues does not exist. Therefore, legal measures under the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art, and National Museum Act, B.E. 2504 have been applied instead. Since the mentioned Act does not provide the definition of ‘ancient Buddha statue,’ the ancient Buddha statues consequently missed out, because they do not meet the criteria of antique objects registration. There is a gap in export control relating to the allowance for the exportation of ancient Buddha statues to foreign countries. In addition, the Fine Arts Department does not have sufficient officers to carry out the survey and registration of the ancient Buddha statues in possession of temples across the country. Therefore, legal measures should be improved for the effective conservation and protection of the ancient Buddha statues.