Story perspectives

2000-Year-Old Gold Rings with Brahmi Inscription Unearthed in Thailand

7/8/2026

Summary

Archaeologists Uncover

Archaeologists uncovered two 2,000-year-old gold rings at the Don Yai Thong site in Phetchaburi.
One ring recovered on July 2 2026 bears a Brahmi inscription “pusarakhitasa,” meaning “the one protected by Pushya.”
Experts say the rings likely belonged to a Vaishya merchant caste.
Since February archaeologists have found eight skeletons and gold-bronze jewelry, indicating elite burials.
The excavation will finish within a month, after which the artifacts will be shown publicly.

Summary

Archaeologists Unearth

Local rice-field residents uncovered bronze-drum fragments in early 2026, prompting the Fine Arts Department to launch the Don Yai Thong excavation 130 km southwest of Bangkok.
Archaeologists say the find links Thailand with Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia, reflecting Indian cultural influence and suggesting the site served ancient trade routes.
Since the February 2026 dig began, eight skeletons, gold and bronze ornaments and pottery have been recovered, indicating elite Iron-Age burials.

Summary

Archaeologists Protect

Archaeologists used heavy machinery to extract earth blocks before monsoon floods threatened the burial site, moving the gold rings to the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum for conservation.
Phanombut Chantarachoti warned that rising groundwater threatens the site, prompting teams to seal the site within thirty days.
Officials aim to open an exhibition later this year, noting Brahmi-inscribed finds at Krabi and Chumphon map an Iron Age trade corridor across Thailand.

History

Historical Context

2026 excavations at Don Yai Thong, directed by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department and archaeologist Phanombut Chantarachoti, uncovered Brahmi-inscribed gold rings and bronze drums, echoing Srivijaya’s 7th-century maritime hub at Palembang, which linked Indian and Chinese markets via the Strait of Malacca. The kingdom’s wealth peaked after the 682 Kedukan Bukit inscription and waned after Chola raids in the 11th century, shaping today’s heritage policies.

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Archaeologists Uncover

Archaeologists uncovered two 2,000-year-old gold rings at the Don Yai Thong site in Phetchaburi.
One ring recovered on July 2 2026 bears a Brahmi inscription “pusarakhitasa,” meaning “the one protected by Pushya.”
Experts say the rings likely belonged to a Vaishya merchant caste.
Since February archaeologists have found eight skeletons and gold-bronze jewelry, indicating elite burials.
The excavation will finish within a month, after which the artifacts will be shown publicly.

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