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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Groundbreaking discovery of 29,000-year-old human skeleton in remote cave
Archaeologists have discovered the oldest human skeleton ever found in Thailand, a stunning find in a remote cave that could rewrite the history of human settlement in the region In a historic find set to transform our knowledge of the past, archaeologists in Thailand have dug up the oldest human skeleton ever discovered in the country, pushing back the timeline for human habitation in the area by thousands of years. The remains of a young child, endearingly dubbed "Pangpond" after a popular Thai cartoon character, were found in an isolated cave within the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The Fine Arts Department (FAD) has made the remarkable announcement that the juvenile's interment, located in Din Cave – already renowned for its ancient rock paintings – dates back over 29,000 years. This revelation upends prior conceptions of Thailand's human history, providing an extraordinary window into the existence of prehistoric populations during the late Pleistocene epoch. "The careful burial and the associated artifacts provide invaluable insights into the rituals and daily lives of these ancient inhabitants.", reports the Daily Star. "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 youngster's remains were discovered laid out flat on their back, with the head pointing southwest, indicating a purposeful and ceremonial interment. Initial examination suggests the child was aged between 6 and 8 when they died. By studying soil samples and fossils from the upper strata, researchers reckon the skeleton dates back more than 29,000 years, firmly positioning it in the late Pleistocene era. This find's importance reaches far beyond Thailand's frontiers. Din Cave, perched 125 metres above sea level, has captivated archaeologists since prehistoric cave art was uncovered there 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."
Bangkok Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Time to return artefacts
The Culture Ministry does not need to review a pledge to return 20 ancient artefacts under its custody to Cambodia. Instead, the repatriation, as a long-overdue promise, should be completed without further delay. The 20 artefacts are among 43 items confiscated from a cargo ship arriving from Singapore by Thai customs authorities during the Chuan Leekpai administration in 2000. Since Cambodia was able to present evidence of ownership, 23 items had been returned in two batches. The first batch was sent back during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in 2009, even as relations between the two countries were strained due to the Preah Vihear issue at the time. The second batch was sent back in 2016 during Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha's tenure. The handover of the artefacts was approved by the Fine Arts Department, which studied the confiscated items and ensured that their styles were not of Thai origin. Although a recipient country is obliged to pay the transport costs for returned artefacts, Thailand did its neighbour a favour by covering the costs as a friendly gesture. The return of the last batch of 20 artefacts had been planned for Paetongtarn Shinawatra when she paid an official visit to Cambodia as prime minister last April, but it was eventually called off due to technical problems. Unfortunately, Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations have taken an unfavourable turn after a border clash late in May, followed by the closure of checkpoints along the border as a result of provocations from both sides. Ms Paetongtarn, speaking in her capacity as culture minister, said last week the repatriation would be delayed due to budget constraints. She also mentioned the unfavourable diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia as a reason for the backtracking. Ms Paetongtarn, who is now suspended from duty as premier while the charter court considers a petition against her regarding a phone conversation with Cambodia strongman Hun Sen, must be aware that such remarks would give the impression she is politicising the matter, or worse, seeking revenge against the Cambodian top leader over their fallout. In short, Ms Paetongtarn's citing of sour relations as a reason for the prospective delay merely casts Thailand in a bad light. Now that Cambodia has expressed its willingness to finance the transport costs itself, Thailand should not delay the handover, but instead honour the agreement it had with its neighbour, restarting the process. Some ultranationalist elements may be disappointed, but the government can provide an explanation as to why it is taking the step. Indeed, Thai-Cambodian ties may not be amicable, but the Thai government, particularly the Culture Ministry, is obliged to abide by the principle of returning the artefacts to their rightful place, while Cambodia shoulders the responsibility for the cost. Ms Paetongtarn should learn from past mistakes -- that any decisions based on personal interests, such as the previously close ties between the two first families, or personal anguish, may backfire, particularly when the families go separate ways. It would be best for both countries if their respective leaders maintain professionalism, respect each other, and act in a principled manner.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia ready to fund transport of 20 antiquities from Thailand
BANGKOK: The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has urged Thailand to respect the agreement to return 20 ancient antiquities, after Thailand's delay was attributed to budget constraints. According to a Khmer Times report on Monday (July 7), the ministry also called on Thai authorities to adhere to the previously agreed timeframe and terms of the repatriation. In a letter addressed to Thai Minister of Culture Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona confirmed that Cambodia will take responsibility for the transportation costs, in accordance with the agreement reached by both sides in April. 'I request the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand to proceed with the implementation of the agreement within the agreed timeframe in order to avoid any further delays. The Cambodian side will assume full responsibility for all costs associated with this transportation,' she stated. In 2000, Thai authorities seized 43 Cambodian antiquities illegally imported from Singapore. Over the years, 23 items were returned to Cambodia following Cabinet approvals in 2009 and 2015. The remaining 20 antiquities were under review due to unclear origins. After the Cambodian government submitted documentary evidence of ownership, Thailand's Fine Arts Department verified the artifacts as being of Cambodian origin. In 2024, the Thai Cabinet, under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, approved the repatriation. Nation TV reported the Fine Arts Department's statement on April 25, which confirmed that the cultural ministries of both countries had coordinated the logistics for the handover. This will involve a land transfer via Siem Reap, expected to take place around July 2025. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai PM Paetongtarn denies rumours of returning antiquities to Cambodia
BANGKOK Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, addressed the media on Friday (July 4) at the Ministry of Culture following her appointment as Minister of Culture. She responded to rumours regarding the return of 20 antiquities to Cambodia, stating that the claims were "false" and that legal action would be taken against those spreading such misinformation. She said the issue dates back to 2015, during the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, when 23 antiquities were returned to Cambodia after it was discovered they had been illicitly imported from Singapore since 2000. Subsequently, on May 21, 2024, the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin approved the return of an additional 20 items, based on recommendations from the Ministry of Culture, after experts confirmed their origin as Cambodia. However, the process has not yet been carried out due to insufficient funds in the Fine Arts Department's budget for the current fiscal year, and the issue has not been prioritised for allocation from the central budget. Paetongtarn stated that, given the current state of Thai-Cambodian relations, the Ministry of Culture deemed it necessary to "review" the matter before proceeding with the return of the artefacts. As a result, no action has been taken at this time. Meanwhile, Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, also addressed the rumours spread by malicious individuals regarding the Ministry of Culture's plan to return 20 antiquities to Cambodia. He explained that this matter dates back to 2000 when the Customs Department seized 43 antiquities that resembled Cambodian artefacts, which had been illegally imported from Singapore. Following an examination by the Fine Arts Department, 23 items were returned at that time. The Cambodian government later filed a request to receive the remaining 20 artefacts, submitting documents and evidence to support their claim. After further investigation by the Fine Arts Department, several committees concluded that these 20 items originated from Cambodia. As a result, the Ministry of Culture plans to return the antiquities to Cambodia in accordance with international law. Jirayu added that this issue dates back 25 years, and he expressed confusion as to why some individuals continue to attack the Ministry of Culture over it. He pointed out that Thailand has successfully reclaimed numerous Thai artefacts from abroad, including from Europe and other countries. He emphasised that attacking the government over this matter would be detrimental to tarnishing the reputation of Thailand's efforts. Such actions could prevent other countries from returning Thai artefacts in the future, resulting in significant losses for the nation and its cultural heritage. He concluded by urging people to consider the nation's best interests, stressing that this issue is decades old and should not be used to create unnecessary conflict, as it could ultimately harm Thailand's efforts to recover other important artefacts from abroad. The beginning of the process to return the antiquities to Cambodia dates back to 2000, when the Customs Department seized 43 Cambodian artefacts that had been illegally imported from Singapore. The Fine Arts Department later conducted an inspection and returned 23 artefacts to Cambodia in accordance with Cabinet resolutions on February 24, 2009, and January 13, 2015. However, 20 items remained unresolved. The Fine Arts Department was unable to confirm whether these 20 items were cultural properties originating from Cambodia, as they were artefacts that could be found in both Thailand and Cambodia's historical sites. Therefore, on January 13, 2015, the Cabinet resolved that the Fine Arts Department should inform the Cambodian government of the inspection results. If the Cambodian government wished to reclaim the 20 items, it was requested to provide written evidence confirming that the artefacts originated from Cambodia. However, the Minister of Culture stated today that, due to the ongoing border dispute between the two nations, it would not be appropriate to return the antiquities to Cambodia at this time. - Photo: The Nation/ANN The Cambodian government submitted a formal request to reclaim the remaining 20 antiquities, providing documentation and evidence to substantiate its claim. Following an inspection by the Fine Arts Department, it was confirmed that all 20 artefacts originated from Cambodia. The Ministry of Culture thus sought approval to return the 20 artefacts to Cambodia. In 2024, Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet had approved the Ministry of Culture to return the 20 antiquities to Cambodia. This action is in line with the bilateral agreement between the governments of Thailand and Cambodia and aims to strengthen the relationship between the two nations, demonstrating Thailand's commitment to adhering to the terms of the agreement. As of April 25, 2025, Nation TV reported that the government spokesperson issued a statement from the Fine Arts Department, confirming that following the Cabinet's resolution in 2024, both countries' Ministries of Culture have coordinated logistics for the transfer of the artefacts. The delivery is expected to be made by land via Siem Reap and is anticipated to take place in July 2025. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Cambodia artefact rumours ‘false'
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has dismissed reports that Thailand is preparing to imminently transfer 20 ancient artefacts to Cambodia. Speaking on Friday in her new role as culture minister, Ms Paetongtarn confirmed that the return of 23 artefacts to Cambodia was completed in 2015 after verification of their origin. The return of another 20 artefacts related to the same case, was approved in principle by the cabinet in 2024. But they remain in Thailand as the Fine Arts Department faces budget constraints, and the issue is not deemed urgent due to ongoing border tensions, she said. 'This is not considered an urgent matter and cannot be funded by the central budget,' Ms Paetongtarn said. She added that the proposal may need to be resubmitted for ministry-level budgeting and cabinet acknowledgement. 'Given the current situation between Thailand and Cambodia, the Culture Ministry recommends further review,' she said. She said legal action would be taken against those spreading false information, which she added was damaging and misleading. Ms Paetongtarn also reaffirmed Thailand's sovereignty over the Ta Muen Thom temple complex in Surin, which is protected under the 1961 Ancient Monuments Act. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also working to uphold Thai sovereignty in other disputed areas near the border with Cambodia, she added. Soft power push Becoming culture minister gives Ms Paetongtarn an opportunity to focus on her long-standing passion to promote soft power as a means of enhancing Thailand's standing in the world. She reiterated her commitment to supporting Thailand's creative industries. She highlighted plans to extend cash rebate incentives, previously available to international filmmakers, to Thai productions. 'I want to see Thai films go further. They can subtly showcase our products and culture to the world,' she said. She also outlined four key soft power industries to be prioritised: film, food, Muay Thai and wellness. These sectors, she said, can quickly enhance Thailand's economic potential, tourism and job creation. 'Where collaboration with the Culture Ministry is possible — be it public or private — I'm ready to support it,' she said. Ms Paetongtarn also confirmed her commitment to advancing soft power and cultural development, calling them essential tools for stimulating the economy and opening new opportunities for the public. 'I have long advocated for soft power as a development strategy,' she said. 'Despite my suspension, I am committed to doing my best in this role.' Ms Paetongtarn was suspended from the premiership on July 1 by the Constitutional Court pending a ruling on allegations of ethical misconduct and abuse of power. Social activist Srisuwan Janya on Friday petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate Ms Paetongtarn and Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit for joining a royal audience after the recent cabinet reshuffle. He said this violated the court's suspension order.
