via Bangkok Post, 06 June 2024: A history tour group discovered an ancient sandstone artefact at Wat Palilaik in Chaiya district, Surat Thani. Experts believe it dates back to the Srivijaya period. The artefact, likely the base of a Hindu god Narayana statue, features carvings similar to those in ancient Khmer castles.
An ancient sandstone has been found in the grounds of a temple in Chaiya district, which experts believe dates from the time of the Srivijaya Kingdom.
The artefact was found by a history tour group which was visiting Wat Palilaik in tambon Lamet of Chaiya district on Tuesday. The tour group informed Chaiya district chief Chaowalit Rodjanarat about the discovery. They said the sandstone might be over 1,000 years old, and has beautiful carvings. Mr Chaowalit then asked Chaiya National Museum chairman Kitti Chinjoreontham and Phra Achan Mahathongchai, abbot of Wat Rattanaram temple, to examine the artefact at the location where it was discovered.
Mr Kitti confirmed the sandstone was certainly an ancient object and could date back to the 13th-14th centuries BE or around the end of the Srivijaya Kingdom.
