Thailand Cave Reveals 30,000-Year-Old Child’s Life
A remarkable discovery in a Thai cave has significantly pushed back the timeline of human habitation in the region, offering a glimpse into the lives of people who lived nearly 30,000 years ago. The skeletal remains of a child, unearthed at the Tham Din archaeological site within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, represent the oldest human remains ever found in Thailand, generating considerable excitement among archaeologists and researchers.
Jointly announced by the Fine Arts Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) on Monday, the discovery includes not only the remarkably well-preserved skeleton—believed to be that of an eight-year-old child—but also ancient cave paintings, adding further intrigue to the find. Phanombootra Chandrajoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, hailed the discovery as a crucial starting point for understanding the development of prehistoric technology in the region, potentially leading to a cascade of further discoveries about both human history and the local ecosystem.
The excavation, initiated in 2022, initially focused on studying the paintings within Tham Din Cave. However, the team, led by archaeologist Kannika Premjai, soon suspected the cave held more significant secrets. Their suspicions were confirmed with the discovery of ashes, animal bones, earthenware, shells, and burnt seeds buried 1.6 meters below the surface. Subsequent Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) testing of ash and shell samples at a US laboratory dated these artifacts between 10,000 and 29,000 years old. This dating strongly suggests the child’s skeleton, found at a deeper level last year, could be even older than 29,000 years. Bone samples are currently being prepared for further laboratory analysis to confirm the skeleton’s precise age.
The skeleton, dubbed «Nong Pang Pond» by the team, was found exceptionally well-preserved, lying face up with stones and red earth covering the forehead and chest—potentially symbolic gestures signifying blood and power, according to Ms. Premjai. Evidence suggests the ankles were bound, and the body may have been smoked as part of a complex burial ritual, perhaps to protect it from scavengers. This ritualistic burial points to a structured culture within this prehistoric community. Further analysis indicates «Nong Pang Pond» was a Homo sapiens, with skeletal characteristics closely resembling modern humans. The discovery of deer, barking deer, boar, shellfish, and plant remains at the site reveals insights into the community’s diet.
Located in the 98-square-kilometer national park, the cave sits amidst limestone hills on the Gulf of Thailand coast, forming part of the country’s largest wetland. Retired geologist and team advisor Chaiporn Siripornpibul estimates the limestone caves themselves to be around 250 million years old, shaped by a freshwater ecological system evident from water erosion patterns. This fertile environment, with caves providing natural shelter, would have been an ideal location for human settlement. Cave paintings, tools, and other human-made artifacts scattered throughout various chambers further corroborate the existence of a thriving prehistoric community.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond Thailand’s borders. Rasamee Chusongdech, an archaeologist from Silpakorn University, believes it confirms Southeast Asia’s significant role in early human settlement. The variety of seeds found within the cave hints at the community’s agricultural practices and lifestyle. Continued research promises to piece together a more comprehensive picture of their existence, potentially establishing Thailand as a pivotal location for understanding human evolution.
While not yet open to the public, the Fine Arts Department and DNP plan to develop the Tham Din Cave site into an educational resource, allowing future generations to connect with this ancient past. The ongoing surveys and excavations signal a commitment to further exploration, promising even more revelations about Thailand’s rich prehistoric heritage.
