PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, Feb 25 (TNA) – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Department, announced the discovery of ancient Ice Age human skeletal remains, over 29,000 years old, the oldest in Thailand in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
Plans are underway to develop it into an art and cultural tourism destination, connecting with natural tourism routes.
Mr. Chidchanok Sukmongkol, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and Mr. Phanombootra Chandrajoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, jointly announced the discovery of the Ice Age (Pleistocene) human skeleton and ancient rock paintings within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
The Director-General of the Fine Arts Department revealed that this is a significant archaeological discovery for the country and a new global finding.
Following the discovery of rock paintings on the cave walls in 2020, excavations began in chamber 3, adjacent to the cave wall.
The soil, mixed with ash, yielded numerous artifacts, including axes, shells, animal bones, and seeds, suggesting evidence of prehistoric human presence.
Further excavation to a depth of 2 meters led to the discovery of the human skeleton. Dental examination suggests it belonged to a child aged 6-8 years, sex undetermined. The skeleton has been named “Pangpon.”
Radiocarbon dating conducted at a laboratory in the United States determined its age to be approximately 29,000 years. Further studies are ongoing to compare the findings with contemporary Ice Age human data in detail, and excavations will continue. -819 (TNA)
