Ancient skeleton present in distant cave might ‘rewrite human historical past’
Archaeologists in a remote Thai cave have uncovered the oldest human skeleton ever found in the country, which could rewrite the history of South East Asia
In a groundbreaking discovery that could rewrite history, archaeologists have unearthed the oldest human skeleton ever found in Thailand. This discovery pushes back the timeline of human occupation in the region by tens of thousands of years.
The skeletal remains of a child, affectionately named “Pangpond” after a beloved Thai cartoon character, were uncovered in a remote cave within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
The Fine Arts Department (FAD) announced the extraordinary find, revealing that the child’s burial, discovered in Din Cave, a site already famous for its prehistoric rock art, is estimated to be over 29,000 years old.
This discovery challenges previous understandings of human history in Thailand, offering a rare and fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient people who roamed the region during the late Pleistocene era.
Phnombootra Chandrajoti, the Director General of the Fine Arts Department said: “This is a groundbreaking discovery that will reshape our understanding of early human presence in Southeast Asia.
“The careful burial and the associated artifacts provide invaluable insights into the rituals and daily lives of these ancient inhabitants.”
“The body was carefully placed and surrounded by stones, indicating a level of respect and care in the burial process,” explained a FAD archaeologist. “The positioning of the limbs, with the toes touching, suggests the body may have been wrapped or tied before burial.”
The child’s skeleton was found buried in a supine position, with the head oriented southwest, suggesting a deliberate and ritualistic burial.
Early analysis suggest the child was between 6 and 8 years old at the time of death. Through soil and fossil analysis of upper layers, experts believe the skeleton is older than 29,000 years, placing it firmly within the late Pleistocene period.
The significance of this discovery extends beyond Thailand’s borders. Din Cave, located 125 meters above sea level, has been a focus of archaeological interest since the discovery of prehistoric rock paintings in 1996.
“The Din Cave site offers a unique window into the past, documenting the evolution of human societies over thousands of years,” said a spokesperson from the FAD.
“Further research and analysis will undoubtedly shed more light on the lives of these ancient people and their contributions to the region’s rich history.”
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