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Quantifying Archeological Damage: The Operation Antiquity Seizures from Thailand

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: “Operation Antiquity” (2002–2014), a United States criminal investigation, exposed the large-scale illicit trafficking of archeological materials from central and northeast Thailand, including Ban Chiang, and their acquisition by complicit dealers, collectors, and museums in the U.S. The investigation led to the seizure of tens of thousands of illegally imported artifacts. This article presents the methodology developed to assess the archeological damage caused by this trafficking as required for legal proceedings under the U.S. justice system. The assessment demonstrates the extensive destruction of Thailand’s archeological record resulting from systematic looting and illustrates how damage assessment supports the protection of cultural resources and the prosecution of crimes against archeological heritage.

Source: Journal of the Siam Society

DOI: 10.69486/114.2.2026.3a

Authors: Joyce White, David Welch, Judith R. McNeill, Todd Swain

Institutions: University of Pennsylvania, International Archaeological Research Institute, National Park Service

Language: English

Topic: Archaeological Research and Protection

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7225610852

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