A recently opened archaeological site provides insight into what life was like in Sakon Nakhon 1,800 – 4,500 years ago. The site, called Ban Don Thing Chai, was first discovered in 1994. At the time, villagers were digging at the back of the Wat Chat Mongkol Buddhist temple when they came across human remains and pottery.

The findings were reported to an archaeological team that had to get permission to dig on the site by a head monk. Pits were dug by a team of 30 people in 1994, 1997 and 2014. None of the remains were removed by the team. Instead, the remains were covered as the team still hadn’t decided how to proceed with their findings.

The group decided to make the site an open-air museum that has now been opened to the public.

Guests will find that the opening to the site is right behind the prayer hall of the Wat Chai Mongkol temple. Upon arrival, guests are given a map of the site along with information about the remains and the people that once lived on the land.

There are three time periods that are covered at the site.

The earliest period dates back 3,500 – 4,500 years ago during what is called the “Early Period.” The “Middle Period” is the next period that is indicated by bronze tools, decorations and neck rings. This period dates back 3,000 – 3,500 years ago. The last period, called the “Late Period,” ranges from 1,800 – 3,000 years ago.

The findings and the artifacts left behind indicate that this is not just a normal burial site. Instead, archeologists suggest that this may have been a community at one time. The remains of broken pottery used in daily life were found as well as heavily designed pieces that would have been used to honor the dead.

-- 2015-03-27

Thailand has an interesting prehistoric history. Sad that the government can't provided more money to do research and write more about the history of Thailand as it is very rich. A lot of these old artifacts are often looted and not discovered.

I agree if they taxed more they should be able to do more -my priority would be Pensions

Nothing seems to have changed since then, however.

It's a shame the history cannot be better preserved, the evolution of Thai may be slower than where some Expats have come from, but it remains their human right and dignity to go through the phase our forefathers went through for as long as they chose to do so without threat or discrimination... at least we owe it to truly give them the freedoms to choose the way we know our forefathers did such that we are where we are today!

Near Sawang,

On the other side of Sawang is Ban Ko Korn, which has on the site of the temple a purpose built building protecting one of the oldest stuppa's in Thailand.

Inside is a small museum with bit's of bodies pottery etc dating back to the same period.

Given these are all few days walk from Ban Chiang, not really surprising.

The Ko Korn site building was built by a USA university, now seems long forgotten