Archaeologists Find 2,000-Year-Old Gold Rings at Thai Site

Archaeologists uncovered two gold rings estimated at around 2,000 years old during an ongoing excavation at the Don Yai Thong site in Thailand's Phetchaburi province. The rings were found with human bones last week, the Thai government's Fine Arts Department said.

One ring, recovered on Thursday, carries engraved characters identified as Bhrami script that read "pusarakhitasa," or "the one protected by Pushya," an auspicious sign in Indian astronomy.

The second ring found with the same remains is plain gold without markings. Experts assess that the owner may have belonged to the Vaishyas merchant caste. The site lies about 80 miles southwest of Bangkok.

Residents discovered pieces of ancient bronze drums in a rice field early this year, prompting the dig. The location dates to Thailand's Iron Age, between 1,500 and 2,500 years ago. Since February the team has recovered eight human skeletons along with bronze and gold jewelry, pottery and other items that point to ceremonial burials for wealthy or upper-class individuals.

Local media reported one skeleton believed to be a child's, with a bronze object placed on the torso. Charcoal samples have been sent to the United States for further dating. The Fine Arts Department released an eight-minute video on social media showing archaeologists at work.

The excavation is scheduled to conclude in another month, after which the artifacts will be prepared for public display.