The discovery came up due to conservation efforts at Wat Dhammachak Semaram in Nakhon Ratchasima, initially aimed at reducing subway moisture near the statue, which eventually led to the the treasure.

Phnombootra Chadrajoti, director general of the Department of Fine Arts, al Thaiger, said, “Just over a meter deep, our team uncovered a clay vessel containing 33 pieces of bronze, silver and gold.”

“These finds are extraordinary. They offer valuable information about the craftsmanship and religious devotion of the time,” the specialist quoted by the ArtNews portal stated.

He added that a second excavation conducted last April 30 revealed more artifacts, including a gold-embossed plaque of a seated Buddha in vitarka mudra (a teaching gesture), with halo, curled hair and a lotus footstall.

A second embossed lead and pewter plaque appeared, showing a Buddha standing on an arched frame flanked by attendants, one of whom is believed to be Brahma.

Also a piece of earth embedded with three ceremonial metal plates was found behind the head of the reclining Buddha statue, which may have been used for sacred offerings or ritual deposits.

These findings, dating back more than 1,300 years, indicate that the area may have been a thriving religious center during the Dvaravati era, between the 6th and 11th centuries.

The antiquities were sent to the Phimai National Museum for conservation and further study.

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