Academic urges Fine Arts Dept to preserve Phato ancient drums

Khaosod•Society•8d ago

Reader Briefing

An academic and a temple abbot seek the Fine Arts Department's assistance to preserve ancient Mahorathuk drums found in Chumphon Province.

•Ancient Mahorathuk drums and artifacts were found by villagers on the bank of the Phato Canal in Chumphon Province.
•Two drums were discovered: one relatively intact large drum and one small drum broken into pieces.
•The artifacts are currently kept in a storage room at Wat Ban Mong.

•On August 6, 2026, Mr. Vara Chanmanee disclosed the discovery of ancient Mahorathuk drums in Phato.
•Villagers discovered the items by chance after water erosion affected the bank of the Phato Canal.
•The find included two Mahorathuk drums, human bones, beads, a tray, and a water vessel found together.
•Mr. Vara Chanmanee suspected the site was a second burial intended to dedicate merits to the deceased.
•The artifacts are currently stored at Wat Ban Mong, where the abbot does not dare move them for fear of causing damage.
•Mr. Vara Chanmanee and villagers are concerned about further damage to the artifacts.
•The parties are waiting for the Fine Arts Department to collect the items for restoration.

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Vara Chanmanee(วรา จันทน์มณี)

An independent academic and expert advisor to the Political Development Committee.

Phra Palad Prasit Thanawutthatho(พระปลัดประสิทธิ์ฐานะวุฒโท)

The abbot of Wat Ban Mong who showed the discovery site.

Fine Arts Department(กรมศิลป์)ℹ️

The government agency requested to take over and restore the ancient drums.

Wat Ban Mong(วัดบ้านโหมง)

The temple where the discovered Mahorathuk drums are currently stored.

Phra Rak Subdistrict(ต.พระรักษ์)

The subdistrict where Wat Ban Mong is located.

Phato District(อ.พะโต๊ะ)ℹ️

The district in Chumphon Province where the artifacts were found.

Chumphon Province(จ.ชุมพร)ℹ️

The province where the Phato Canal discovery occurred.

Phato Canal(คลองพะโต๊ะ)

The waterway whose bank yielded the ancient Mahorathuk drums.

Ban Don Yai Thong(บ้านดอนยายทอง)

A location in Phetchaburi Province mentioned as a point of comparison for burial practices.

Phetchaburi Province(จ.เพชรบุรี)ℹ️

The province where Ban Don Yai Thong is located.