Archaeologists Unearth Two More Ancient Gold Rings at Don Yai Thong Site

Archaeologists have discovered two additional gold rings at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi Province, one of Thailand's most important heritage sites. One ring features an ancient seal with clearly engraved script dating to approximately 1,900-2,100 years ago. On July 3, Thiwalrat Angkinantan, a Phetchaburi Member of Parliament and chair of the parliamentary religion, arts and culture committee, reported on excavation progress following updates from Phanomphut Chantrachothi, director-general of the Fine Arts Department.

On July 2, the Fine Arts Department assigned Nipa Sangkanakinthorn, director of the Fine Arts Office 1 in Ratchaburi, to lead a team of archaeologists in urgently salvaging human skeletal remains and artifacts. The site faces critical threats from groundwater, salinity, and accumulated moisture that accelerate bone deterioration and metal corrosion, necessitating rapid scientific conservation at the Fine Arts Department's Science Center for Conservation. During operations, archaeologists found two gold rings near skeleton number 4, with one bearing an ancient inscription.

Initial analysis by Dr. Uten Wongsathit from Silpakorn University's archaeology faculty and department experts identified the script as ancient Indian Brahmi text dating to the 5th-7th Buddhist century. The inscription reads "Pusarchitta," meaning "of Pusarchitta" or "one protected by the Pushya star," suggesting the ring's owner was likely a merchant-class individual, reflecting ancient trade networks with Indian civilization. The second gold ring bears no decorative patterns.

This discovery echoes previous finds of Brahmi script on seals and ornaments from important southern archaeological sites in Krabi and Chumphon provinces, providing crucial evidence linking ancient western region communities to broader ancient regional trade networks. The two gold rings have been transferred to Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum for preservation and academic study.

Excavation officials are employing two approaches: itemized collection for the first skeleton group, estimated at two weeks, and lifting entire soil blocks for others with scientific monitoring to prevent damage, estimated at one week. The recently discovered skeleton, believed to be a child with a large bronze vessel near the torso, will be lifted entirely to preserve evidence before conservation. Officials estimate the final excavation phase will require approximately one month before closing the dig site and presenting preliminary findings, followed by a public exhibition of Don Yai Thong artifacts before entering detailed conservation and research.