Oldest Human Skeleton Found in Thailand Awes Archaeologists, Nicknamed PangPond After Popular Cartoon Character

For decades, Thailand’s prehistory remained a puzzle, with archaeologists unraveling scattered traces of ancient human life. Rock paintings, stone tools, and burial sites painted a split picture of the region’s early inhabitants, according to The Jerusalem Post. Yet, a revolutionary discovery in a remote cave has rewritten what we know about Southeast Asia’s vivid past.

Deep within Din Cave, situated in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, researchers have unraveled the oldest human skeleton ever found in Thailand—a 29,000-year-old child, lovingly nicknamed PangPond after a beloved Thai cartoon character. This stunning discovery, announced at a press conference by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, is expected to change our understanding of early human presence in the region.

Phnombootra Chandrajoti (Director General of Thailand's Fine Arts Department) said, "This is a groundbreaking discovery that will reshape our understanding of early human presence in Southeast Asia. The careful burial and the associated artifacts provide invaluable insights into the rituals and daily lives of these ancient inhabitants," as reported by Live Science.

The child’s remains were found two meters beneath the cave floor, carefully placed in a burial site that highlights the ancient ritualistic practices. Archaeologists estimate that PangPond was between six and eight years old at the time of death and underwent a detailed burial process that indicates a deep cultural importance. The skeleton was found lying on its back, with its arms and legs drawn close to the body, highlighting that the child may have been wrapped or bound before burial. An archaeologist noted, "The body was carefully placed and surrounded by stones, indicating a level of respect and care in the burial process. The positioning of the limbs, with the toes touching, suggests the body may have been wrapped or tied before burial," via Thai PBS.

Further research revealed traces of charcoal and ash near the burial site, highlighting that a fire was lit during the burial, possibly to protect the body from scavengers, mask decomposition odors, or maybe it was part of a spiritual ritual. The discovery site, Din Cave, has long been a focal point of fascination for archaeologists due to its prehistoric rock art. Red ochre paintings flaunt its walls and ceilings, depicting human figures hunting deer and monkeys with bows and arrows. A spokesperson for FAD noted, "The Din Cave site offers a unique window into the past, documenting the evolution of human societies over thousands of years…Further research and analysis will undoubtedly shed more light on the lives of these ancient people and their contributions to the region's rich history," reported Thai PBS.

Radiocarbon dating of organic materials found near the remains hints that humans occupied the cave between 29,000 and 11,000 years ago, spanning the late Pleistocene epoch, stated Live Science. Moreover, this timeline aligns with a period when much of Southeast Asia was part of a now-submerged landmass called Sundaland, which helped early humans to migrate and flourish in the region. Excavations have also unraveled animal bones, pottery fragments, seeds, and seashells, further cementing the site as an important hub of prehistoric activity.