Minister Announces 10,000-Year-Old Cave Paintings Found in Khon Kaen Park
Thailand's Natural Resources Minister announced the discovery of five archaeological sites in Phu Pha Maan National Park, Khon Kaen, including prehistoric cave paintings up to 10,000 years old. The survey, conducted by national parks, fine arts officials, and local communities, also found Buddha statues and religious artifacts. Authorities plan to register and protect the sites while developing them for historical tourism.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced on November 12, 2026, the results of a collaborative survey between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Fine Arts Department, Phu Pha Maan District Administration, and community leaders. The team surveyed five archaeological sites within Phu Pha Maan National Park in Khon Kaen province, uncovering significant historical evidence including prehistoric paintings dating back up to 10,000 years and religious artifacts reflecting ancient civilization and settlement patterns.
Minister Suchat stated the discovery adds historical and cultural value to the park's natural resources. He directed relevant agencies to urgently register the archaeological sites, establish protection and conservation measures based on academic principles, and integrate community cooperation to preserve the heritage while developing it into a sustainable historical learning center and tourist attraction that generates local pride and income.
Department of National Parks Director-General Yongyuth Nakhonwiroj reported that on November 10, 2026, a working group from Phu Pha Maan National Park, the 8th Fine Arts Office in Khon Kaen, district administration, and community leaders surveyed three subdistricts and identified five key sites:
1. Tham India in Phu Pha Maan Subdistrict: Four red paintings featuring geometric line patterns resembling symbols, hand stencils, and red dots, estimated at 1,500–4,000 years old. 2. Wat Phra Si Wali Sathatham 1 site in Na Fai Subdistrict: Red paintings with line patterns and figures resembling people wearing headdresses, estimated at 1,500–4,000 years old. 3. Wat Phra Si Wali Sathatham 2 site in Na Fai Subdistrict: Multiple red paintings on rock walls, estimated at 2,500–4,000 years old. 4. Tham Phra Kayasit in Wang Sawap Subdistrict: Two stucco Buddha images and fragments of three others, plus evidence of religious area use, estimated at 50–100 years old. 5. Tham Pha Thewada in Wang Sawap Subdistrict: Red paintings of marks, symbols, lines, and human figures, with some estimated at 1,500–4,000 years old and others possibly as old as 4,000–10,000 years.
Yongyuth added that all survey steps followed academic standards with community participation. The 8th Fine Arts Office will now work with the national park and related agencies to register the sites, conduct further analysis to determine ages and associated cultural groups, and develop appropriate management plans to conserve the valuable historical evidence and establish the area as an important historical and natural science learning center for Khon Kaen province.
