Ancient drums and skeletons discovered at Phetchaburi archaeological site

PHETCHABURI — On May 7, 2026, residents in Phetchaburi province gathered to make merit and pay respects to eight ancient skeletons discovered at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site, believed to date back 1,500 to 2,000 years. The ceremony took place in Ban Don Phlap village, Samo Phlue subdistrict, Ban Lat district, where locals offered food to Buddhist monks and dedicated merit to the deceased. Officials present included Phetchaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation President Chaiya Angkinan, Ban Lat District Chief Preecha Ananworanat, and Nipa Sangkhonakhin, director of Fine Arts Office 1 in Ratchaburi.

Archaeologists from Fine Arts Office 1 began excavations after discovering two ancient bronze drums in February in a rice field. These "Mahorathuk" drums are believed to originate from the Dong Son culture in northern Vietnam and later spread throughout the Suvarnabhumi region. No similar drums had previously been found in Phetchaburi or Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, making this discovery significant. Excavations under archaeologist Kannika Premjai began on February 9, 2026, and have continued for nearly three months.

Initial findings included damaged bronze drum fragments, pottery, bronze containers, human leg bones, and gold jewelry, which prompted the team to expand their search. Between March and April, archaeologists uncovered eight skeletons laid flat on their backs in rows, some overlapping each other. All eight skeletons had bronze head ornaments resembling helmets placed over their skulls, and were accompanied by bronze artifacts, stone beads, glass beads, and pottery. The first skeleton discovered contained a remarkable collection of gold ornaments including bracelets, rings, pendants, beads, and earrings. Four additional bronze drums were later found, bringing the total to six.

Archaeologists believe these discoveries reveal prehistoric burial practices dating back approximately 1,500 to 2,000 years, before cremation became common practice. The presence of gold jewelry, bronze artifacts, and bronze drums indicates the buried individuals held high social status rather than being ordinary villagers. Experts noted that the intricate gold ornaments resembled Indian craftsmanship, suggesting the community had trade connections with external civilizations. Nipa expressed gratitude to local residents, officials, educational institutions, and landowners for supporting the excavation. However, she warned that heavy moisture, underground water, and the approaching rainy season were creating significant challenges for the ongoing work.