PHETCHABURI — Archaeologists at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province, Thailand, discovered two gold rings approximately 2,000 years old. The rings were found last week alongside human bones during an excavation.

One of the rings is engraved with characters identified by experts as Brahmi script, which reads "pusarakhitasa." The Fine Arts Department stated that "pusarakhitasa" means "the one protected by Pushya." Pushya is described as one of the most auspicious zodiac signs in Indian astronomy. The other ring is plain gold without any engravings or patterns.

The Don Yai Thong site, located about 130 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, was discovered in 2026 after local residents found fragments of ancient bronze drums in a rice field. The site is dated to the late prehistoric era in Thailand, also known as the Iron Age, which spans approximately 1,500 to 2,500 years ago.

Since February, archaeologists have unearthed eight human skeletons, various bronze and gold jewelry, pottery, and other artifacts at the site. These artifacts suggest a ceremonial burial for individuals who were likely wealthy or members of the upper classes of society. One source indicated the rings' owner may have been a merchant of the Vaishyas caste. The excavation is projected to conclude in August 2026.

The Department of Fine Arts plans to recover all skeletons and artifacts from the site in July 2026. The department will also conduct 3D scans of the site. Charcoal samples from the area are being sent to the United States for scientific dating, with results anticipated in about three months. Human remains from the site are being moved to a conservation facility in Pathum Thani during the rainy season. The artifacts will be returned to Phetchaburi for a public exhibition once the rainy season concludes. The Fine Arts Department intends to showcase the archaeological finds to the public, and archaeologists are seeking additional funding to continue excavations.

Why It Matters

The discovery of 2,000-year-old gold rings and human remains at the Don Yai Thong site provides new information about ancient civilizations in Thailand. The presence of Brahmi script on one of the rings indicates potential cultural or trade connections with ancient India, reflecting long-standing interactions across regions. This find contributes to the understanding of the late prehistoric era, also known as the Iron Age, and the societal structures that existed during that period in Southeast Asia.

Ongoing analysis, including scientific dating of charcoal samples and 3D scans of the site, aims to provide more specific details about the individuals buried and the context of the artifacts. The planned public exhibition of these finds will make this historical and cultural information accessible to the broader community.