30,000 year old site reveals oldest skeletons found in Thailand

On February 15, on behalf of Eric John, the US Ambassador to Thailand, an exhibition of artefacts from a unique archaeological site in Mae Hong Son province was opened by the ambassador’s first secretary for cultural affairs, Kenneth Foster. The research project, also based at the site, will be funded by a grant already received from the US Embassy in Thailand. Also present at the opening ceremony were the deputy governor of Mae Hong Son, Thaweesak Wattanathamrak, associate professor Rasamee Chusongdech, and the Pang Mapha district chief Suchart Theekhasuk, together with archaeologists, village headmen and elders. Mr. Foster stated that the artefacts on display were of importance in historical research, and must be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
The site, known as Perng Pha Tham Lod, is estimated to be at least 30,000 years old, and is located at Ban Tham Lod, in the Pang Mapha district of Mae Hong Son. Phases 1 and 2 of the excavations took place between 2001 and 2006; the present project is mainly concerned with archaeological research and renovation. Many artefacts and remains have been excavated, amongst which are the two oldest human skeletons as yet discovered in Thailand, dated as being at least 13,000 years old. Traces of stone age human habitation in the then cooler and densely forested area from as long ago as 32,000 years have been found, together with stone tools.
On higher ground, cemeteries containing golden teak wood coffins placed on stone tables deep in caves have been discovered, the first time such funerary arrangements have been found in Asia. Dating of the coffins places them at approximately 2,500 years old.
The project also aims to study the relationships between the then inhabitants of the area and their environment, and to examine their social and cultural development.

Source: Chiang Mai Mail