A feature on the archaeological sites of Northeast Thailand. Incidentally, I went to a number of the sites mentioned in the story while on fieldwork earlier this year.
Rediscovering ancient civilisations
Bangkok Post, 30 Aug 2012
Blessed by its geography, the northeastern region of Thailand, Isan, is home to an ancient heritage, which traces back 1,000 to 5,000 years.
“It is because Isan features many mountains, which cavemen used as shelter and left their imprints through rock paintings,” said Sunisa Chitrbhandh, an anthropologist and director of the administration office of the Fine Arts Department.
Although a few ancient paintings were found in the Central Region, there are not as many as in the Northeast, she added.
Take the famous paintings on the cliff at Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani as an example. The prehistoric rock paintings, which include the giant Mekong catfish, elephants and human hands, are estimated to be at least 3,000 years old.
Full story here.
Interesting article in Bangkok Post.