A 2,000-year-old gold ring discovered beside a human skeleton in Thailand has given archaeologists fresh evidence of ancient India's deep connections with Southeast Asia. The remarkable find, made at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province, features an inscription in the ancient Indian Brahmi script, suggesting that Indian traders or settlers may have travelled to the region nearly two millennia ago.
The discovery was made during an excavation launched after local residents found fragments of ancient bronze drums in a rice field. The site has since yielded eight human skeletons, pottery, bronze artefacts and gold jewellery, leading experts to believe it may have served as a ceremonial burial ground for wealthy or high-ranking members of society.
