Thai authorities have announced the discovery of two gold rings estimated to be around 2,000 years old, unearthed during an ongoing excavation in the country’s western region. The Fine Arts Department of the Thai government reported that the artifacts were found alongside human skeletal remains last week at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site, located in Phetchaburi province.
Among the items recovered on Thursday was a gold ring featuring engravings believed to be in the Brahmi script, an ancient Indian writing system. Preliminary analysis by experts suggests the inscription reads “pusarakhitasa,” which translates to “the one protected by Pushya,” a reference to a significant zodiac sign in Indian astronomy. A second, plain gold ring without any markings was discovered with the same remains. Researchers believe these items may have belonged to a merchant associated with the Vaishyas, a caste within the ancient Indian system.
The Don Yai Thong site, situated approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, came to light earlier this year after local residents discovered remnants of ancient bronze drums in a rice field, prompting professional excavations. The location is dated to the late prehistoric period in Thailand, specifically the Iron Age, which spanned roughly 1,500 to 2,500 years ago.
Since February, archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry, pottery, and other artifacts, indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people or members of the society’s upper classes. The Fine Arts Department expects the current excavation phase to conclude in approximately one month, with plans to eventually exhibit the recovered artifacts to the general public.
