Nakhon Pathom locals are demanding the return of ancient artefacts which were moved from a local museum to another museum in nearby Suphan Buri.
Visitors look at artefacts left at the Nakhon Pathom museum after most other ancient items were moved to another museum in Suphan Buri. Locals are demanding a return of the artefacts. Chanat Katanyu
They plan to gather on Monday outside the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Administration Organisation to press their case, said Kongtree Payaoniakaew, chairman of Nakhon Pathom PAO.
Mr Kongtree said word has spread about the rally which he expects will attract a large turnout of people demanding the return of artefacts and local treasures once housed at the Nakhon Pathom museum, and which have been moved to Uthong museum in Suphan Buri.
He said the local people will fight for the return of the artefacts, mostly belonging to the ancient Dvaravati period dating back to the 6th century.
Heritage preservation groups have lashed out at the Fine Arts Department's decision to allow the ancient items to be shifted to Uthong museum. They insist the artefacts form the cultural roots of the Nakhon Pathom people.
More than 1,000 artefacts have been sent to Uthong museum. However, some less valuable items are left at the Nakhon Pathom museum, which remains opened to the public.
Last month, department chief Bowornwet Rungrujee said the artefacts had to be moved because the Nakhon Pathom museum was prone to theft. It is in a temple ground with weak security surveillance.
He added the items would look better grouped together with similar artefacts of the Dvaravati period at the Uthong museum. He was prepared to discuss the matter with people who disagree.
Paiboon Phuangsamlee, a member of the Rak Pathom Nakhon heritage group, said the artefacts should be exhibited at a former prison site near the Nakhon Pathom museum.