Ancient child skeleton, nicknamed 'Pangpond,' unearthed in Thailand, rewriting prehistory

A remarkable archaeological discovery in a remote cave within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park has yielded the oldest human skeleton found in Thailand to date, potentially pushing back the timeline of human occupation in the region by tens of thousands of years.

The skeletal remains of a child, affectionately nicknamed "Pangpond" after a popular Thai cartoon character, were unearthed during excavations at Din Cave, a site already known for its prehistoric rock art.

The Fine Arts Department (FAD) announced the findings, detailing the meticulous excavation that revealed the child's burial, estimated to be older than 29,000 years.

This discovery significantly pre-dates previously known human remains in Thailand, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of ancient people who inhabited the region during the late Pleistocene era.

Photo: Phnombootra Chandrajoti,the Director General of the Fine Arts Department (L).//Photo courtesy of Fine Arts Department.

"This is a groundbreaking discovery that will reshape our understanding of early human presence in Southeast Asia," said Phnombootra Chandrajoti,the Director General of the Fine Arts Department in a press release.

"The careful burial and the associated artifacts provide invaluable insights into the rituals and daily lives of these ancient inhabitants."

Din Cave, located 125 meters above sea level, has been a focus of archaeological interest since the discovery of prehistoric rock paintings in 1996.

Photo: Pre-historic rock painting // Photo courtesy of Fine Arts Department

Subsequent surveys revealed a network of chambers adorned with red-colored depictions of human figures, animals, and abstract designs, suggesting a rich cultural heritage.

The recent excavation, conducted by the 1st Regional Office of the Fine Arts Department, focused on Chamber 3, where previous findings of pottery sherds, stone tools, and animal remains indicated prolonged human occupation.

The child’s skeleton was found buried in a supine position, with the head oriented southwest, suggesting a deliberate and ritualistic burial.

"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."

Preliminary analysis indicates the child was between 6 and 8 years old at the time of death. The bones, exhibiting a reddish-brown hue and traces of ash, were found at a depth of two meters below the cave floor.

Radiocarbon dating of charcoal and shell samples from higher layers in the cave, conducted by BETA ANALYTIC Inc. in the USA, yielded dates ranging from 11,000 to 29,000 years ago.

As the skeleton was discovered below these dated layers, it is inferred to be older than 29,000 years, placing it firmly within the late Pleistocene period.

The significance of this discovery extends beyond Thailand's borders. During the late Pleistocene, sea levels were significantly lower, forming a landmass known as Sundaland that connected much of Southeast Asia.

The findings at Din Cave provide crucial evidence of human adaptation and survival in this now-submerged region.

The cave itself reveals a long history of human occupation, spanning from the hunter-gatherer societies of the late Pleistocene to the farming communities of the Holocene period, as evidenced by pottery and polished tools found in the upper layers.

"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.

Photo: The historical site //Photo: courtesy of Fine Arts Departmen

"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."

The discovery of "Pangpond" not only adds a new chapter to Thailand's prehistory but also underscores the importance of continued archaeological exploration in Southeast Asia, a region vital to understanding the dispersal and adaptation of early humans.