PHETCHABURI, THAILAND – Archeologists have unearthed a spectacular prehistoric burial site in a rice field in Phetchaburi province. Gold rings, bronze vessels, and six giant bronze drums were found alongside nine human skeletons. The findings are up to 2,000 years old and offer the first details on the rank and beliefs of a long-vanished society.
50,000 Baht and a Surprise in the Soil
On June 27, Thailand’s archaeological elite gathered at the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum. Director-General Phanombut Chantharachot of the Fine Arts Department presented the landowners, Kanang and Jen Phetsut, with 50,000 Baht in compensation for crop losses. Their rice field in Ban Don Phlap had become one of the country’s most unusual excavation sites within months.
Chaiyaphon Phuthonglom, Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi, and Thiwanrat Angkinan, Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Culture Committee, attended the announcement. The delegation then proceeded directly to the discovery site in Tambon Samo Phlue, where archaeologist Kannika Premjai outlined the work completed so far.
Six Mahorathuek Drums and a Child Burial
The team from the Fine Arts Office 1 Ratchaburi has been excavating the site since February 9. Initial earth layers already yielded parts of a Mahorathuek drum accompanied by pottery. Deeper underground, another drum was found face down, immediately beside human skeletons adorned with gold rings, gold bracelets, glass beads, and bronze objects.
So far, nine skeletons have been uncovered. One is believed to belong to a child under twelve, with a bronze object resembling a gong found on their body. Archeologists have now identified a total of six Mahorathuek drums. Animal jaws, likely from cattle or buffalo, with upper and lower jaws placed closely together, were also discovered, strongly indicating ritual animal burials alongside the deceased.
Gold, Bronze, and Questions of Status
The nature of the grave goods surprised even experienced scientists. Some skeletons were covered with bronze vessels placed over their heads, a burial practice that was far from common. In addition, gold beads, pendants, and intricate gold earrings were found, some still adhering to the bones.
The Director-General explained that the placement of objects suggests distinct social differences and elaborate burial rituals. It appears the community believed in an afterlife and equipped their deceased accordingly. The combination of weapon-status symbols, jewelry, and ritual drums is unprecedented in its density for the region.
3D Scans and a Trip to the USA
Before the artifacts and skeletons are fully excavated starting in July, the Cultural Heritage Information Technology Group is documenting the entire pit using 3D scanning. Teams from Ratchaburi and Prachin Buri will then arrive for excavation, supported by scientists from the Conservation Group. Their task is to inventory and secure every item before handing it over to the National Museum Bureau for preservation.
Concurrently, scientific dating is underway. Charcoal samples from the dig have been sent to the USA, with results expected in approximately three months. Experts currently estimate the site to be between 1,500 and 2,000 years old, placing it in the late prehistoric period before Thailand’s historical era began.
What Remains After Excavation
Upon completion of scientific documentation, archaeologists will clear the site and return the rice field to its owners. Kanang and Jen Phetsut will then be able to resume agricultural activities, while the findings are analyzed in museums and laboratories.
For the Fine Arts Department, it is clear that Don Yai Thong provides key data on the rituals, beliefs, and social stratification of a prehistoric society. Archaeological work in the coming years will offer new insights into the early cultural history of the region.
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Source: Thairath