Ancient Khmer Castle Discovery in Korat Sparks Cambodian Claims

The speaker expresses no surprise at the discovery, noting the abundance of ancient Khmer-style castles in Thailand's Northeast region, from Korat to Sakon Nakhon.

Following the news of the discovery, Cambodian social media users claimed the land in Nakhon Ratchasima as historically Khmer territory that Thailand had seized.

The discovery involves a sandstone castle ruin in Prang Thong Village, Mue 2, Ban Mai, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The site is on private land owned by a car dealer.

The 10th Fine Arts Office in Nakhon Ratchasima dispatched archaeologists to carefully excavate the site, initially finding stone structures resembling an ancient castle.

A local resident recalls the area being a deep cave with valuable items and a large pond. He also mentions supernatural experiences and people worshipping at a shrine.

The former owner states villagers knew it was a sacred site, initially a mound with a large termite mound, where they would pray for luck and protection.

After the land was sold and a workers' building constructed, construction workers hit numerous stone blocks while digging for pile foundations, revealing the ancient ruins.

The discovery was shared on the Facebook page 'Prasat Hin Tin Daen Thai,' highlighting it as a 1,000-year-old Khmer art relic.

Satellite imagery and research led to the discovery of Prang Thong village. The ancient site is now surrounded by modern infrastructure like a railway and highway.

The ancient site is dilapidated, now serving as a community shrine. It is overgrown with vegetation, with scattered bricks and pottery shards found around the mound.

A large pond, partly occupied by a school, is believed to be a reservoir associated with the ancient site. Pottery suggests an age of 900-1,000 years.

The surrounding forest has been cleared, and the area has been filled and leveled for construction, likely burying or destroying remaining artifacts.

The 10th Fine Arts Office investigated the site after it was shared online, finding evidence of area modification and shrine renovation.

Using an excavator, archaeologists uncovered ancient stones resembling castle structures at a depth of 30 cm, prompting further historical investigation.

The speaker notes previous discoveries of ancient walls in the same district, reinforcing the presence of ancient communities over a thousand years ago.

The possibility is raised that these communities belonged to the Mahidharapura kingdom, a significant ancient Khmer entity that built structures like Phanom Rung and Phimai.

The speaker points out that stone quarries are located near Korat, and argues that the term 'Khmer castle' does not automatically equate to Cambodian ownership.

Unlike major Khmer sites like Angkor Wat, which were restored by Indian and French experts, Thai ancient sites are restored by Thai archaeologists, demonstrating Thai expertise.

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