In a discovery hailed as one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent Southeast Asian history, a team of researchers in Thailand has unearthed a cache of Buddhist artifacts estimated to be over 1,300 years old. The relics were found beneath the reclining Buddha statue at Wat Dhammachak Semaram, an ancient temple site in the Nakhon Ratchasima province of northeastern Thailand.
During a restoration project at the temple, archaeologists from Thailand’s Fine Arts Department uncovered more than 130 artifacts in a sealed stone chamber. The contents included:
- Solid gold and bronze Buddha statues
- Intricately designed votive tablets
- Stone and ceramic amulets
- Ritual objects such as miniature stupas and ceremonial bells
Some of the Buddha statues are believed to date back to the Dvaravati period (6th to 11th centuries CE), a Buddhist civilization that predated the rise of the Khmer Empire and shaped early Thai culture.
According to Archaeology Magazine, this site was known historically but had never been fully excavated until the latest round of preservation work in early 2025. The artifacts were discovered beneath the temple’s iconic 13-meter-long reclining Buddha—the largest ancient statue of its kind in the region.
The significance of the find goes beyond its age. Experts believe the items offer a rare glimpse into the early spread of Theravāda Buddhism across Southeast Asia. The design and materials used in the artifacts indicate trade links with ancient India and Sri Lanka, pointing to cultural exchange networks active over a millennium ago.
“The craftsmanship of the gold statues is remarkably intact, and the iconography reflects a blend of Indian Gupta and indigenous Dvaravati artistic styles,” said a spokesperson from the Fine Arts Department.
In an interview with Thai PBS World, lead archaeologist Woralun Phusavat called the discovery “unprecedented in scale and context.” She noted that while similar finds have occurred in isolated stupa sites, “this is the first time such a complete and diverse collection has been found under a Buddha statue in situ.”
Wat Dhammachak Semaram was built in the 7th or 8th century and has been in continuous use for centuries. The reclining Buddha, made of sandstone, has long been a pilgrimage destination but was never believed to conceal such treasures beneath it.
The artifacts were found in a sealed crypt, suggesting intentional burial—possibly as an act of ritual consecration or protection during a period of conflict. Some historians suggest they may have been hidden to safeguard them from invading forces during regional upheavals in the 9th or 10th century.
Thailand’s Ministry of Culture has since secured the site. The artifacts are now undergoing conservation and documentation. Selected items are expected to be displayed in Bangkok’s National Museum later this year, according to a report by Interesting Engineering.
The discovery has sparked international attention. Scholars from institutions in the U.S., Japan, and India have expressed interest in collaborative research. Museums and universities have already reached out to Thai authorities regarding joint exhibitions and publications.
“This is a world-class archaeological moment,” said a cultural heritage expert from UNESCO, speaking to Sustainability Times. “It gives us invaluable insight into the early Buddhist world and the sophistication of regional Thai civilizations long before the Angkor era.”
Excavations at Wat Dhammachak Semaram are ongoing, with more subterranean chambers under analysis. Remote sensing technology has identified possible further voids beneath adjacent structures.
Thai officials are considering a nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status for the site, which could elevate international tourism and research funding for years to come.
