Burial of High-Ranking Individual Unearthed: Ancient Human Skeleton Wearing Gold Bracelets
A high-ranking individual buried 1,500 years ago in Phetchaburi Province was unearthed wearing gold bracelets, surrounded by six ancient drums and pottery in a ritual burial site discovered in a rice field.
A high-ranking individual's burial site has been discovered in a rice field in Ban Lad District, Phetchaburi Province, featuring the skeleton of an ancient human adorned with gold bracelets dating back approximately 1,500 years, buried alongside prehistoric drums. On April 30, 2026, Fine Arts Department Director-General Panom Butt Chantrachote visited the excavation site at Moo 6, Ban Don Plab, Somphloei Subdistrict, Ban Lad District, accompanied by Nipha Sangkanakindhorn, Director of Fine Arts Office Region 1 Ratchaburi, and other officials and archaeologists.
Initial findings revealed gold bracelets attached to the wrist bones of the skeleton, estimated to be 1,500 to 2,000 years old from the prehistoric era through the early Dvaravati period. The excavation also uncovered four additional glong moh-ra-thuk drums, bringing the total to six drums, along with eight clay vessels, glass beads, clay projectiles, portions of approximately four human skeletons, and metal container fragments.
Excavations began on February 9, 2026, led by archaeologist Kanickar Premjai and conducted by a team including students from Naresuan University and Phetchaburi Rajabhat University alongside local volunteers. The initial dig revealed the base of a drum at 60 centimeters depth and the drum's rim at one meter depth, indicating the drum was inverted with its base exposed. Among the findings were eight clay vessels at 60 centimeters depth, including seven pot-shaped containers and one bowl-shaped vessel, along with glass beads, clay projectiles, human bone fragments, metal vessel pieces, and notably, rings and gold bracelets worn on the skeletal remains.
Archaeologist Kanickar explained that the discovery represents a burial ritual involving glong moh-ra-thuk drums, metal containers, clay vessels, and gold ornaments interred with the deceased as offerings to honor the deceased individual. Further excavation expansion is continuing to uncover additional artifacts from this significant archaeological site.
