Workers renovating a 155-year-old hall at Wat That Thong in Bangkok have uncovered a rotting wooden coffin containing a woman's skeleton, buried in the floor immediately before the main Buddha image.
The red coffin was actually unearthed by Jedsada, 21, a construction labourer, on July 18 when he was installing jacks in the Limpaporn prayer hall so that a third storey can be added. He immediately told temple officials who called police.
Pol Lt Col Chakrawut Donprajam, of Klong Tan police station, led a team to the temple, which is on Sukhumvit Road. (continues below)
Inside the coffin was a decayed female skeleton believed to have lain there for at least 50 years, along with a stainless steel tray and four 50-satang coins dated 1957.
Forensic police and doctors from Chulalongkorn Hospital examined the coffin, the body and the five objects, which were then all impounded as evidence.
Police said it was unlikely there was any foul play involved. It was most likely a donor who helped fund the temple hall's construction and was later buried there by relatives, close to the Buddha image.
The police inquiry was continuing.
