A trove of ancient Buddhist relics, including gold, silver, and bronze items, was discovered beneath Wat Dhammachak Semaram temple in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand, during conservation work in April. The finds, found in an earthenware container just over a meter deep, include gold rings, silver earrings, bronze ornaments, a gold repoussé plaque of a seated Buddha, and a lead-tin repoussé of a standing Buddha with attendants, dating back over 1,300 years to the Dvaravati era.
The discovery matters because it provides significant insights into the craftsmanship and religious devotion of the Dvaravati period, suggesting the area was a thriving religious center between the 6th and 11th centuries. The artifacts, now sent to the Phimai National Museum for conservation, add to the understanding of early Buddhist art and culture in Southeast Asia, with parallels to other important sites in Thailand.