Ancient Gold Rings Unearthed in Thailand

Two gold rings, estimated to be around 2,000 years old, have been discovered in Thailand during an archaeological excavation. The discovery took place at the Don Yai Thong site in western Thailand. The Thai government’s Fine Arts Department announced the findings last week.

The rings were found alongside human bones. The first ring, discovered on a Thursday, contains engravings believed to be in the Bhrami script, an ancient writing system from India. Experts have preliminarily interpreted the script as “pusarakhitasa,” meaning “the one protected by Pushya,” associated with an auspicious zodiac sign in Indian astrology. The second ring found with the same remains is a plain gold band.

According to assessments, the ring’s owner was likely a merchant, possibly part of the Vaishyas caste in ancient Indian society. The Don Yai Thong site, located approximately 80 miles southwest of Bangkok, surfaced earlier this year when locals discovered ancient bronze drum fragments in a rice field.

The site dates back to Thailand’s late prehistoric era, known as the Iron Age, which spans 1,500 to 2,500 years ago. Archaeologists began digging in February and have since found eight skeletons, and numerous bronze and gold artifacts, including pottery. These findings suggest ceremonial burials of wealthy or upper-class individuals.

Reports indicate one skeleton might be of a young child, distinguished by a bronze object on the torso. Charcoal samples from the site are undergoing scientific dating in the United States.

The excavation is projected to wrap up in a month. The Fine Arts Department plans to display the findings to the public shortly thereafter.