Calls are growing for Phetchaburi to establish its first provincial museum after archaeologists discovered two more ancient gold rings at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Ban Lat district.
Thiwalrat Angkinan, Bhumjaithai member of parliament for Phetchaburi, said the province has a wealth of historical and cultural heritage but does not have a central museum to house its archaeological treasures.
The latest finds were a good reason to change that.
She said most of Phetchaburi's artefacts are stored and displayed in other provinces because there is no suitable museum in the province.
The MP said the existing museum at Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park has limited accessibility, particularly for elderly visitors, and urged the Department of Fine Arts (DFA) to support a new museum.
Her call follows the discovery of two additional gold rings by archaeologists at Don Yai Thong.
One is a gold signet ring engraved with ancient Brahmi script and is estimated to be 1,900–2,100 years old.
The latest finds follow earlier discoveries of bronze drums, ancient human skeletons, gold ornaments, bronze vessels and ancient beads.
The finds date back about 1,500–2,000 years and provide important evidence of an ancient community.
The department is planning to recover all skeletons and artefacts this month before conservation and scientific analysis.
It will also conduct 3D scans of the site and send charcoal samples to the United States for scientific dating, with results expected in about three months.
Archaeologists say the site is unique, and they are seeking additional funding from the DFA to continue excavations.
Ms Thiwalrat said the human remains are being moved to a conservation facility in Pathum Thani during the rainy season to prevent deterioration.
The artefacts will be returned to Phetchaburi for a public exhibition once the rainy season ends.
