SURAT THANI – In Surat Thani province, locals have found many ancient artifacts dating back to the Pun-Pun Kingdom in Tha Kham city. The city is preparing to revive the area in order to turn it into a cultural tourist attraction site.
More than 30 ancient artifacts such as clay pots, parts of household items and beads were found in Phunphin District. The items were found as locals were renovating a local house. Two stone pedestals, which are believed to be used in producing silver, were found in a para rubber field 3 kilometers away from the city.
In addition, locals reported finding other ancient artifacts. All the artifacts will be given to the Ancient Beads Association in Surat Thani, in a bid to gather the artifacts in one place. The items will be used towards studying local history and culture. The artifacts will also be deemed as a national treasure.
Meanwhile, the city has plans to revive the area into a tourist hotspot. Tha Kham previously was once a prosperous ancient city. According to records, Chinese people visited the area and called it the Pun-Pun kingdom, an ancient kingdom that dates back over 400 years ago.
