Thailand Finds 2,100-Year-Old Indian Gold Rings at Burial Site

BANGKOK, Jul 4: Thai archaeologists have uncovered two ancient Indian gold rings dating back between 1,900 and 2,100 years during excavations at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province, according to state media.

The rings were discovered alongside human remains and other artifacts, with one bearing an inscription believed to be in the ancient Brahmi script. Officials from Thailand's Fine Arts Department said the inscription likely identifies the ring as belonging to a merchant caste from ancient India, highlighting early trade and cultural links between the two regions.

Authorities noted that similar Brahmi-inscribed artifacts have previously been found at archaeological sites in Krabi and Chumphon provinces.

The rings have been transferred to the Phra Nakhon Khiri Museum in Ratchaburi for preservation, while archaeologists are accelerating excavations at the site due to threats posed by groundwater and heavy rainfall to the remaining artifacts and human remains.