A Cambodian intelligence officer has been accused of looting antiquities after being captured crossing the border into Thailand with three ancient statues.
A photo of the three artefact statues seized in Sa Kaeo from a Cambodian military-intelligence officer. (Photo supplied by Royal Thai Army to the Phnom Penh Post.)
Soeun Oeun, 38, a military police officer in Cambodia's Battambang province, was stopped and searched by Thai soldiers after entering the kingdom late Saturday at a Sa Kaeo province border crossing in Thma Puok district of Banteay Meanchey province in Cambodia, the Phnom Penh Post reported Monday.
"Thai soldiers kept hold of the three statues but have handed over the suspect and his car to Cambodian authorities," Lt Col Men Phirum told the newspaper.
Thma Puok district police chief Major Bun Sophath said negotiations were also underway with Thai authorities to arrange return of the artefacts.