PHATTHALUNG, 29 May 2014 – Authorities have asked people in Phatthalung Province not to further dig for gold on a piece of land where large gold sheets were discovered earlier this week.
Despite warnings from authorities, scores of people in Phatthalung Province have been seen digging for gold in a plantation where 700- and 800-year old gold sheets were found. Authorities believe the gold sheets found belonged to the same period as Angkor Wat, an ancient temple located in Northern Cambodia.
The Fine Arts Department has asked that people stop digging for gold, saying those who turn over the gold to the state would receive compensation worth more than the value of gold of the same weight.
Meanwhile, Mr. Arnat Bamrungwong, director of the 14th Fine Arts Department Office, said the gold was very similar to the gold sheets used to decorate the historical site of Phra Borommathat Chedi. He added that the plantation would be sealed off for further exploration and excavation by the Department.
