Ports, Protests and the Pilfered Past
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 16 - 22 June 2025
Chào buổi tối! The archaeology scene has been buzzing this week with everything from ancient ports to border temple tensions and high-tech museum experiences. We’ve got stoneware chemistry linking Singapore to Sumatra, visitor milestones in Sarawak, ancient chewing habits unearthed in Thailand, and Cham ceramics being re-evaluated in Vietnam. But amid all the ceramic sherds and curated exhibitions, three stories stand out for their weighty mix of politics, identity, and the long arc of historical memory.
First up: Vietnam’s Óc Eo–Ba Thê site is back in the spotlight. Excavations just approved by the Ministry of Culture aim to dig deeper into one of Southeast Asia’s most important port cities from the early centuries CE. Often associated with the ancient kingdom of Funan, Óc Eo was once a bustling entrepôt connecting the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. These new digs, part of a tightly managed conservation push, seek to reinforce the site’s role in shaping regional maritime networks.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has quietly but meaningfully scored a win in the realm of cultural diplomacy. Three smuggled artefacts—a ceremonial staff and two war shields from the Batak, Dayak, and Asmat peoples—have been handed over by New York authorities after a years-long investigation. Now awaiting repatriation in the Indonesian Consulate, the objects are part of a growing global movement to right the wrongs of illicit antiquities trade.
Finally, tensions simmer again along the Thai-Cambodian border, where two interlinked stories reflect the larger political conflicts brwing between the two countries. First, a peaceful but pointed standoff unfolded when Cambodian visitors gathered at a disputed Surin temple, singing songs and offering prayers. Thai troops intervened firmly but without incident. Then came sharper words from Cambodia’s Culture Minister, who publicly condemned the construction of a Thai temple alleged to replicate Angkor Wat. While Thai authorities had previously ruled out any direct imitation, the protest revives a conflict that was once thought settled.
And finally, for all readers celebrating, a Happy Islamic New Year. May the months ahead bring renewal, reflection, and many more meaningful discoveries!
And now, on to the news:
Contents
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter and Website is supported in part by many generous readers, colleagues and friends. You can support by buying me a coffee.
Highlights of the Week
In no particular order, here are five of the most popular stories from this week:
Ang Choulean Unveils New Angkor History Book in Khmer
via Khmer Times, 20 June 2025: Renowned Cambodian anthropologist Ang Choulean has released History of Cambodia During the Angkor Period, a 252-page Khmer-language work based on extensive sources—including nearly 200 inscriptions (176 Khmer, 12 Cham) and over 150 scholarly documents. Launched in late May by the Yasothor Cultural Promotion Organisation, the book explores 9th–14th-century Angkor society through 16 chapters covering topics such as kingship, infrastructure, religion, and social dynamics. Choulean developed this foundational textbook over three years to fill a gap in inscription-based Khmer-language teaching resources.UNESCO‑Listed Pyu Temples in Sri Ksetra to Keep Original Look
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 20 June 2025: Following the 28 March Mandalay earthquake, minor cracking was observed in two key religious structures—the Bawbawgyi Pagoda and Lemyethna Temple—within Myanmar’s Sri Ksetra Cultural Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archaeologists plan targeted restoration that addresses structural damage while retaining the pagodas’ original architecture, respecting their 5th–9th century Pyu heritage. Damage to other smaller pagodas was minimal, but the restoration underscores a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Myanmar’s ancient Buddhist monuments.Three Artifacts Repatriated from New York to Indonesia
via ANTARA, 19 June 2025: Three smuggled Indonesian artifacts—a war shield from Asmat, another from Kayan Dayak, and a Batak ceremonial staff—were officially handed over by the New York State Attorney General on 17 June, following a 2011 smuggling investigation. Valued at approximately US $21,700, the items are now housed at the Indonesian Consulate in New York, pending their repatriation. This follows a similar December 2024 return of six items from the U.S., including a Majapahit-era relief valued at nearly $500,000.Prof. Miksic Urges New Efforts to Unearth Southeast Asia’s Roots
via Berita, 17 June 2025: In a wide-ranging interview, Professor John N. Miksic, the pioneering archaeologist who helped rewrite Singapore’s precolonial history, reflects on his decades of work and the need for future archaeological efforts in the region. Best known for his book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300–1800, Miksic argues that Singapore has long been a vibrant maritime hub, supported by excavation finds at key sites like St Andrew’s Cathedral and Bukit Larangan. Now 78, Miksic advocates for a dedicated facility to preserve historical relics and urges scholars to embrace indigenous texts like Sejarah Melayu and Hikayat Tanah Hitu to reconstruct Southeast Asia’s historical narrative from regional voices.300 m² Funan‑Era Dig Approved at Óc Eo’s Ba Thê Site
via Viet Nam News, 17 June 2025: Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture has approved a 300 m² excavation at the Óc Eo–Ba Thê Cultural Heritage Site in An Giang Province. Led by HCM City University and local heritage managers, digs at four loci—including Tư Trâm Hill and three citadel moats—will run from 18 June to 10 August. Licensed teams must preserve stratigraphy, inform residents, and safeguard finds, which will be inventoried and reported within a month; a scientific report is due within a year. This initiative builds on past excavations revealing canals, stilt-houses, bead workshops and international artefacts tied to the Funan port-city complex.
Featured Books and Recommendations
[Back to Contents]
Some of the links below are affiliate links which mean I may get a commission if you click on them and make a purchase.
World Monuments Fund: Irreplaceable: 60 of Humanity's Most Treasured Places
Singapore & The Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800 by John N. Miksic
Hindu Temples Lost in the Forest: Rediscovering the World Heritage Site of Ishanapura Sambor Prei Kuk by Sachchidanand Sahai
Sri Ksetra & Modern Pyay by Andrea Pistolesi, Massimo Morello, Michele Romano, Patrizia Zolese
Khmer Heritage in Thailand: With Special Emphasis on on Temples, Inscriptions, and Etymology by Etienne Aymonier
New Research
[Back to Contents]
If you have a newly-published paper that you wish to publicise, contact me and I’ll add it into the next newsletter.
[Paper] Elemental Compositions of Kota Cina and Singapore Stoneware Glazes: A Preliminary Study
via Archipel, 2025: This pilot study investigates high-fired stoneware ceramics from Kota Cina (Indonesia) and Singapore, comparing glaze compositions through SEM-EDS analysis to understand trade and production patterns in the 11th–14th centuries CE. Results show that despite surface typological similarities to Chinese ceramics, the glazes from both sites exhibit high concentrations of Fe₂O₃ and MnO—much higher than typical Chinese recipes. The study finds that ash-based glazes, rather than limestone-based ones used in contemporary Chinese kilns, were consistently applied across both sites, suggesting either local adaptations or lesser-known exporting kilns. The findings challenge assumptions of straightforward Chinese dominance in the stoneware trade and call for more comparative data, particularly with shipwreck ceramics and kilns from Thailand, Vietnam, and Burma.[Paper] Earliest Direct Evidence of Bronze Age Betel Nut Use: Biomolecular Analysis of Dental Calculus from Nong Ratchawat, Thailand
via Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology (pre-publication June 2025): Moonkham et al. use cutting-edge LC-MS analysis to detect chemical residues of arecoline in dental calculus from 36 burials at Nong Ratchawat in Central Thailand. The findings, from a single female burial dating between 4080–3850 cal BP, represent the earliest direct biomolecular evidence for betel nut chewing in Southeast Asia. Traditional archaeological indicators were absent, yet biomolecules in the plaque provide definitive proof. This landmark study not only confirms mid-Holocene betel nut use but also establishes a robust methodology for identifying prehistoric psychoactive plant use through dental calculus analysis.[Paper] From coin to data: the impact of object detection on digital numismatics
via Digital Scholarhsip in the Humanities, 15 June 2025: This study by Cabral, De Iorio, and Harris showcases how state-of-the-art AI models—particularly CLIP—are transforming numismatic research. By analysing modern Russian and degraded Southeast Asian coins, the researchers compared the performance of traditional computer vision and advanced AI object detection. CLIP outperformed in identifying complex imagery (like ‘Saint George and the Dragon’), while simpler geometric patterns (like swastikas on Southeast Asian coins) remained better handled by conventional methods. The study highlights how text-based and image-based search capabilities can vastly improve classification, provenance analysis, and even forgery detection—opening new frontiers for digital heritage research across large, degraded, or complex coin datasets.[Paper] From Champa unglazed pottery to Cham Bàu Trúc pottery: a comparative approach to technology and production
via Journal of Asian Ceramic Societies, 12 June 2025: Quang Van Son and William B. Noseworthy compare ancient Champa unglazed ceramics with present-day Cham Bàu Trúc pottery, uncovering enduring technological roots. Both traditions use local clay and open-air firing, showing continuity in materials despite shifts in shaping and decoration. The study highlights pottery’s roles—from daily use to ceremonial functions—and calls for expanded comparative research with other ethnic traditions, like the Jarai or Raglai, to enrich understanding of Southeast Asia’s diverse ceramic heritage.[Paper] The Age-at-death Profile of Burial Sites in Mainland Southeast Asia: A Funerary Perspective
via Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d’Anthropologie de Paris, 05 June 2025: A new study by Pradier, Valentin, and Pryce reevaluates age-at-death profiles from 18 burial sites across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar dating from the Neolithic to Iron Age. Rather than reflecting true population demography, age patterns in burials are shown to result from culturally informed funerary practices. Infants and young children, especially those aged 0–4, are often underrepresented—not due to taphonomy or poor recovery, but possibly because of selective burial customs, including domestic burials and the use of jars. The study reveals temporal and regional differences in age-based burial treatment, such as improved infant representation in the Iron Age and possible shared cultural funerary practices between northeastern Thailand and central Myanmar. The authors argue that these patterns should prompt archaeologists to be cautious in using burial data to infer prehistoric demography without first addressing the cultural context of burial selection.
Announcements
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
[Job] Postdoc Opening in Underwater Archaeology, Taiwan
The Research Center for Underwater Archaeology and Heritage at National Tsing Hua University (Hsinchu, Taiwan) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a 1-year appointment (renewable for 1 additional year). Candidates must submit a CV, cover letter, two references, PhD diploma, a research proposal aligned with one of three focus areas—AI in underwater archaeology, marine object detection, or site conservation technologies—and up to three publications. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. Materials should be sent to [rcuah@my.nthu.edu.tw] with the subject: Application for Postdoctoral Researcher – [Your Name].
Upcoming Events
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
22-28 June 2025: World Archaeological Congress (WAC-10) (Darwin, Australia)
27-28 June 2025: Southeast Asia Library Group Annual Meeting (Passau, Germany)
17-19 July 2025: Decolonization of Southeast Asian Studies Workshop (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
8-13 September 2025: The Fourth Conference of European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology (Lisbon, Portugal)
9-12 October 2025: 9th Symposium of the International Association for the Study of Silk Road Textiles (Berkeley CA, USA)
27 October - 6 November 2025: Asian Prehistory Today (UISPP) (Salatiga, Sangiran, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
14-15 November 2025: Bengal Symposium: Archaeology, History, and Heritage Beyond Colonial Divides (Online)
2-11 February 2026: Angkor and the Rise of Southeast Asian Civilization (Cambodia)
26-31 October 2026: Asia Pacific Conference on Maritime & Underwater Cultural Heritage (Bali, Indonesia)
2026: The Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association Congress (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Social Shoutout
[Back to Contents]
The Stone Age Surgeon's Knife story on Google Arts & Culture recounts a groundbreaking discovery in Borneo’s Liang Tebo cave: a 31,000-year-old instance of a limb amputation that healed, showing advanced medical knowledge—long before previously known cases from Neolithic Europe. This predates the next oldest surgical evidence (7,000 years ago in France) by 24,000 years, rewriting our understanding of prehistoric healthcare. It aligns with broader archaeological trends revealing sophisticated ancient lifeways in Southeast Asia, including intricate rock art and tool use—an expanding field that challenges outdated timelines on antiquity and medicine.
I like to highlight other websites and social media accounts related to the archaeology of Southeast Asia. Contact me if you have or know of an account that deserves highlighting!
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
Angkor Heritage Dispute Rekindled Over Thai Temple Design
via Khmer Times, 21 June 2025: Cambodian Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona has condemned the construction of Siha Nakhon Temple in Thailand’s Buriram province, alleging that its design unlawfully imitates Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cornerstone of Khmer cultural identity. Speaking at the 40th ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk session, she argued that the build violates Thailand’s obligations under the 1972 UNESCO convention. However, this new stance contrasts with her ministry’s 2023 inspection, which found no evidence of replication. The protest unfolds amid heightened Thai-Cambodian tensions, further amplifying sensitivities over cultural sovereignty.
See also: Thai PBS WorldAng Choulean Unveils New Angkor History Book in Khmer
via Khmer Times, 20 June 2025: Renowned Cambodian anthropologist Ang Choulean has released History of Cambodia During the Angkor Period, a 252-page Khmer-language work based on extensive sources—including nearly 200 inscriptions (176 Khmer, 12 Cham) and over 150 scholarly documents. Launched in late May by the Yasothor Cultural Promotion Organisation, the book explores 9th–14th-century Angkor society through 16 chapters covering topics such as kingship, infrastructure, religion, and social dynamics. Choulean developed this foundational textbook over three years to fill a gap in inscription-based Khmer-language teaching resources.Japan Pledges $900K for Bayon Temple’s Next Restoration Phase
via Khmer Times, 20 June 2025: Japan, through JASA, has pledged around US $900,000 over the next three years to support conservation efforts at Bayon Temple. The funding—announced during the 40th ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk meeting—will prioritize structural reinforcement, restoration of ancient drainage systems, and a comprehensive registration of loose stones. The project will be implemented in partnership with APSARA and UNESCO, and will reactivate Angkor’s first conservation building as an educational resource on past restoration efforts.Global Experts Meet in Siem Reap for Angkor, Sambor Heritage Care
via Xinhua, 20 June 2025: At the 40th technical session held on 19–20 June in Siem Reap, the ICC‑Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk convened national and international heritage experts—led by Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona—to evaluate conservation progress at Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk. Key updates included China’s completion of restorations at Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Keo, and its ongoing work on Angkor Thom’s Royal Palace. The session reviewed cross-nation coordination, restoration quality, and skill transfer to Cambodian workers under the APSARA National Authority.
See also: Khmer TimesCalm at Surin Temples Amid Cambodian Group’s Symbolic Visit
via Bangkok Post and various sources, 20–21 June 2025: Thai soldiers intervened peacefully when groups of Cambodian nationals engaged in symbolic actions—such as singing and gathering with monks—at two temples in Surin province’s border region, a zone disputed by both countries. The events at Ta Kwai and Ta Moan Thom temples on 18–19 June were defused diplomatically, with Thai military personnel politely explaining that such actions were inconsistent with mutual agreements governing the area. Cambodia has sought to bring four such temple zones under its sovereignty via the International Court of Justice, though Thailand does not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction in this matter. Despite underlying tensions, both nations’ authorities maintained composure, preserving the cooperative spirit essential for managing shared heritage sites.
See also: The Nation, Khaosod, Pattaya MailDiscover Angkor, Lalibela & More in WMF’s Irreplaceable
via My Modern Met, 20 June 2025: Marking nearly 60 years since Venice’s flood inspired its founding, the World Monuments Fund (WMF) teams with Rizzoli to publish Irreplaceable: 60 of Humanity’s Most Treasured Places—a lavish 288-page volume profiling 60 global heritage sites, including Angkor Park, Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, Río Abiseo in Peru, and Etz Hayim Synagogue in Crete. Featuring powerful essays by Andrew Solomon, André Aciman, and others, the book combines in-depth storytelling and striking visuals to make a case for urgent, ongoing conservation. Scheduled for release on 7 October 2025, it's available now for preorder.ICC Experts Inspect Angkor & Sambor Prei Kuk Ahead of 40th Meeting
via Khmer Times, 18 June 2025: Ahead of the 40th technical session on 19–20 June in Siem Reap, an ad hoc ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk expert team inspected conservation efforts at Sambor Prei Kuk and Angkor. Teams reviewed restoration on several towers and gates—such as the Tor, Trapaing Ropeak, and Kbal Chrouk temples—and assessed construction of an 1,800 m bypass road, noting that archaeological impact assessments guided careful alignment to preserve temple foundations. Findings and next steps will be formally discussed at the upcoming committee meeting.APSARA Begins Neang Chral Roof Restoration at Banteay Samré
via Khmer Times, 17 June 2025: The APSARA National Authority has commenced restoration of at least 300 Neang Chral roof finials at the 12th-century Banteay Samré Temple. The conservation team, led by Long Nary, is collecting fallen decorative stones, reinforcing them, and reinstalling them using durable mortar and modern tools—moving away from past use of cement and iron. The project seeks to both preserve historical integrity and boost visitor appeal at this Angkor site.Ta Moan Thom Draws Tourists Despite Border Tensions
via Khmer Times, 16 June 2025: Despite its proximity to recent border clashes in Preah Vihear, Cambodia’s Ta Moan Thom Temple continues to attract both Cambodian and Thai tourists. The ancient mountaintop sanctuary, a symbol of shared Khmer heritage, has remained calm, with unarmed soldiers from both nations mingling peacefully with visitors. Authorities emphasize security and cultural continuity even as tensions elsewhere along the border rise. The temple, built in the 10th–11th century, is both a spiritual site and a poignant reminder of the region’s entangled histories.[Paper] The Age-at-death Profile of Burial Sites in Mainland Southeast Asia: A Funerary Perspective
via Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d’Anthropologie de Paris, 05 June 2025: A new study by Pradier, Valentin, and Pryce reevaluates age-at-death profiles from 18 burial sites across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar dating from the Neolithic to Iron Age. Rather than reflecting true population demography, age patterns in burials are shown to result from culturally informed funerary practices. Infants and young children, especially those aged 0–4, are often underrepresented—not due to taphonomy or poor recovery, but possibly because of selective burial customs, including domestic burials and the use of jars. The study reveals temporal and regional differences in age-based burial treatment, such as improved infant representation in the Iron Age and possible shared cultural funerary practices between northeastern Thailand and central Myanmar. The authors argue that these patterns should prompt archaeologists to be cautious in using burial data to infer prehistoric demography without first addressing the cultural context of burial selection.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
[Paper] Elemental Compositions of Kota Cina and Singapore Stoneware Glazes: A Preliminary Study
via Archipel, 2025: This pilot study investigates high-fired stoneware ceramics from Kota Cina (Indonesia) and Singapore, comparing glaze compositions through SEM-EDS analysis to understand trade and production patterns in the 11th–14th centuries CE. Results show that despite surface typological similarities to Chinese ceramics, the glazes from both sites exhibit high concentrations of Fe₂O₃ and MnO—much higher than typical Chinese recipes. The study finds that ash-based glazes, rather than limestone-based ones used in contemporary Chinese kilns, were consistently applied across both sites, suggesting either local adaptations or lesser-known exporting kilns. The findings challenge assumptions of straightforward Chinese dominance in the stoneware trade and call for more comparative data, particularly with shipwreck ceramics and kilns from Thailand, Vietnam, and Burma.Three Artifacts Repatriated from New York to Indonesia
via ANTARA, 19 June 2025: Three smuggled Indonesian artifacts—a war shield from Asmat, another from Kayan Dayak, and a Batak ceremonial staff—were officially handed over by the New York State Attorney General on 17 June, following a 2011 smuggling investigation. Valued at approximately US $21,700, the items are now housed at the Indonesian Consulate in New York, pending their repatriation. This follows a similar December 2024 return of six items from the U.S., including a Majapahit-era relief valued at nearly $500,000.Borobudur Stairlift Sparks Debate Over UNESCO Impact Rules
via Tempo, 19 June 2025: Archaeologist Marsis Sutopo, chair of the Indonesian Archaeological Experts Association (IAAI), criticized the installation of a stairlift at Borobudur Temple for a VIP visit, describing it as undertaken without a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA). He and fellow conservator Daud Aris Tanudirjo emphasized that such modifications require in-depth studies to evaluate potential harm and develop mitigation steps, warning that “sustainable development” risks becoming mere slogan if regulatory and conservation processes are bypassed.Madura Strait Yields Ancient Human Fossils After 10-Year Study
via National Geographic Indonesia, 17 June 2025: A groundbreaking discovery of Homo erectus fossils in the Madura Strait has reignited interest in the now-submerged Sunda Shelf, or Sundaland. Led by researchers from Griffith University, BRIN, and Leiden University, the find took a decade to analyse and has just been published in Quaternary Environments and Humans. The fossils, uncovered during an island reclamation project, provide the first definitive evidence that Homo erectus once inhabited the fertile plains of Sundaland, now beneath the sea. This discovery reinforces theories of a broader early human presence in Southeast Asia, with ancient rivers such as the East Sunda River potentially guiding hominin settlement. The study not only expands our understanding of Homo erectus distribution but also repositions Sundaland as a major site in early human history.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
Sarawak Funds RM193k Boost for Melanau Gallery in Oya
via The Borneo Post, 21 June 2025: The Sarawak state government has granted RM193,006 to the Melanau Welfare Trust Board to support the Melanau Heritage Gallery in Oya. This funding will power operations and programming, ahead of Phase 3—a RM14.5 million expansion featuring ten new components such as food, dance, Kaul rituals, and traditional medicine workshops. Established in 2022, the gallery has welcomed over 6,400 visitors to date, and the grant reflects continued state commitment to showcasing Melanau culture.
See also: New Sarawak TribuneSarawak Museum Gains Whale Skeleton and Heirloom Tools
via The Borneo Post, 18 June 2025: The Sarawak Museum Department unveiled new artefacts donated by the public: a ~13 m sei whale tail bone (the largest specimen in its zoological collection), a 93‑year‑old goldsmith workshop set from grandmaster Teo Chai Seng, antique copper pots from Kampung Tupong, traditional Sarawak sunhats dating to 1963, a near‑century‑old parang from Tebakang, and unglazed vases from Santubong. The museum is also preparing for a UNESCO Geopark evaluation of the Sarawak Delta in late June. These gifts enhance both cultural and natural heritage exhibits.
See also: Dayak DailyBorneo Cultures Museum Welcomes 117K Visitors By Mid‑2025
via The Borneo Post, 18 June 2025: The Borneo Cultures Museum recorded 117,095 visitors between January and June 16, pushing its total attendance since 2022 to 1.35 million. Other Sarawak museums logged 79,575 visitors in the same timeframe. The department is preparing its next major exhibition, “Helios”, for November and will participate in July’s International Museum Day in Kedah. It also recently gazetted 14 heritage sites under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019.
See also: Dayak Daily, Sarawak Tribune
Myanmar
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Myanmar]
UNESCO‑Listed Pyu Temples in Sri Ksetra to Keep Original Look
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 20 June 2025: Following the 28 March Mandalay earthquake, minor cracking was observed in two key religious structures—the Bawbawgyi Pagoda and Lemyethna Temple—within Myanmar’s Sri Ksetra Cultural Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archaeologists plan targeted restoration that addresses structural damage while retaining the pagodas’ original architecture, respecting their 5th–9th century Pyu heritage. Damage to other smaller pagodas was minimal, but the restoration underscores a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Myanmar’s ancient Buddhist monuments.[Paper] From coin to data: the impact of object detection on digital numismatics
via Digital Scholarhsip in the Humanities, 15 June 2025: This study by Cabral, De Iorio, and Harris showcases how state-of-the-art AI models—particularly CLIP—are transforming numismatic research. By analysing modern Russian and degraded Southeast Asian coins, the researchers compared the performance of traditional computer vision and advanced AI object detection. CLIP outperformed in identifying complex imagery (like ‘Saint George and the Dragon’), while simpler geometric patterns (like swastikas on Southeast Asian coins) remained better handled by conventional methods. The study highlights how text-based and image-based search capabilities can vastly improve classification, provenance analysis, and even forgery detection—opening new frontiers for digital heritage research across large, degraded, or complex coin datasets.[Paper] The Age-at-death Profile of Burial Sites in Mainland Southeast Asia: A Funerary Perspective
via Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d’Anthropologie de Paris, 05 June 2025: A new study by Pradier, Valentin, and Pryce reevaluates age-at-death profiles from 18 burial sites across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar dating from the Neolithic to Iron Age. Rather than reflecting true population demography, age patterns in burials are shown to result from culturally informed funerary practices. Infants and young children, especially those aged 0–4, are often underrepresented—not due to taphonomy or poor recovery, but possibly because of selective burial customs, including domestic burials and the use of jars. The study reveals temporal and regional differences in age-based burial treatment, such as improved infant representation in the Iron Age and possible shared cultural funerary practices between northeastern Thailand and central Myanmar. The authors argue that these patterns should prompt archaeologists to be cautious in using burial data to infer prehistoric demography without first addressing the cultural context of burial selection.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
Clark Freeport, NCCA Launch Cultural Mapping Project
via Manila Times, June 20, 2025: The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) have signed an MOU to conduct comprehensive cultural mapping across the Clark Freeport Zone from June to December 2025. This follow-up to Clark’s 2024 Local Cultural Inventory involves training 25–30 mappers via a five-day NCCA-led workshop and aims to produce a final Local Culture Profile. The resulting inventory will bolster CDC’s Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tourism Program and enrich local and national archives.Intramuros App Launches as Smart Guide to Manila’s Walled City
via Manila Times, 15 June 2025: The Intramuros Administration and DOST have launched the Intramuros App, a web-based digital tool to guide visitors through Manila’s historic Walled City. The app offers curated walking tours, AR-ready historic sites, food guides, and info on DOT-accredited tour guides and events. Future updates will include permit applications, sustainable booking systems, and an abaca fiber e-tram. The project merges tech, culture, and tourism to enhance access and sustainability in one of the Philippines' most iconic heritage zones.
Singapore
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Singapore]
[Paper] Elemental Compositions of Kota Cina and Singapore Stoneware Glazes: A Preliminary Study
via Archipel, 2025: This pilot study investigates high-fired stoneware ceramics from Kota Cina (Indonesia) and Singapore, comparing glaze compositions through SEM-EDS analysis to understand trade and production patterns in the 11th–14th centuries CE. Results show that despite surface typological similarities to Chinese ceramics, the glazes from both sites exhibit high concentrations of Fe₂O₃ and MnO—much higher than typical Chinese recipes. The study finds that ash-based glazes, rather than limestone-based ones used in contemporary Chinese kilns, were consistently applied across both sites, suggesting either local adaptations or lesser-known exporting kilns. The findings challenge assumptions of straightforward Chinese dominance in the stoneware trade and call for more comparative data, particularly with shipwreck ceramics and kilns from Thailand, Vietnam, and Burma.Prof. Miksic Urges New Efforts to Unearth Southeast Asia’s Roots
via Berita, 17 June 2025: In a wide-ranging interview, Professor John N. Miksic, the pioneering archaeologist who helped rewrite Singapore’s precolonial history, reflects on his decades of work and the need for future archaeological efforts in the region. Best known for his book Singapore and the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300–1800, Miksic argues that Singapore has long been a vibrant maritime hub, supported by excavation finds at key sites like St Andrew’s Cathedral and Bukit Larangan. Now 78, Miksic advocates for a dedicated facility to preserve historical relics and urges scholars to embrace indigenous texts like Sejarah Melayu and Hikayat Tanah Hitu to reconstruct Southeast Asia’s historical narrative from regional voices.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
[Paper] Earliest Direct Evidence of Bronze Age Betel Nut Use: Biomolecular Analysis of Dental Calculus from Nong Ratchawat, Thailand
via Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology (pre-publication June 2025): Moonkham et al. use cutting-edge LC-MS analysis to detect chemical residues of arecoline in dental calculus from 36 burials at Nong Ratchawat in Central Thailand. The findings, from a single female burial dating between 4080–3850 cal BP, represent the earliest direct biomolecular evidence for betel nut chewing in Southeast Asia. Traditional archaeological indicators were absent, yet biomolecules in the plaque provide definitive proof. This landmark study not only confirms mid-Holocene betel nut use but also establishes a robust methodology for identifying prehistoric psychoactive plant use through dental calculus analysis.Angkor Heritage Dispute Rekindled Over Thai Temple Design
via Khmer Times, 21 June 2025: Cambodian Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona has condemned the construction of Siha Nakhon Temple in Thailand’s Buriram province, alleging that its design unlawfully imitates Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cornerstone of Khmer cultural identity. Speaking at the 40th ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk session, she argued that the build violates Thailand’s obligations under the 1972 UNESCO convention. However, this new stance contrasts with her ministry’s 2023 inspection, which found no evidence of replication. The protest unfolds amid heightened Thai-Cambodian tensions, further amplifying sensitivities over cultural sovereignty.
See also: Thai PBS WorldCalm at Surin Temples Amid Cambodian Group’s Symbolic Visit
via Bangkok Post and various sources, 20–21 June 2025: Thai soldiers intervened peacefully when groups of Cambodian nationals engaged in symbolic actions—such as singing and gathering with monks—at two temples in Surin province’s border region, a zone disputed by both countries. The events at Ta Kwai and Ta Moan Thom temples on 18–19 June were defused diplomatically, with Thai military personnel politely explaining that such actions were inconsistent with mutual agreements governing the area. Cambodia has sought to bring four such temple zones under its sovereignty via the International Court of Justice, though Thailand does not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction in this matter. Despite underlying tensions, both nations’ authorities maintained composure, preserving the cooperative spirit essential for managing shared heritage sites.
See also: The Nation, Khaosod, Pattaya MailBangkok Museum Trains Teens as Royal Barge Guides
via The Nation, 17 June 2025: The National Museum of Royal Barges will host a youth tour guide training programme for 15–18‑year‑olds on 12–13 July, offering cultural lessons, basic English, and exposure to the local Muslim community in Bangkok Noi. Applicants can sign up by 6 July, with results announced 9 July. Completers will receive a Fine Arts Department certificate aimed at paving paths into tourism and heritage interpretation. The museum, located along Bangkok Noi Canal, displays eight royal barges and artefacts central to Thailand’s longstanding royal procession tradition.[Paper] The Age-at-death Profile of Burial Sites in Mainland Southeast Asia: A Funerary Perspective
via Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d’Anthropologie de Paris, 05 June 2025: A new study by Pradier, Valentin, and Pryce reevaluates age-at-death profiles from 18 burial sites across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar dating from the Neolithic to Iron Age. Rather than reflecting true population demography, age patterns in burials are shown to result from culturally informed funerary practices. Infants and young children, especially those aged 0–4, are often underrepresented—not due to taphonomy or poor recovery, but possibly because of selective burial customs, including domestic burials and the use of jars. The study reveals temporal and regional differences in age-based burial treatment, such as improved infant representation in the Iron Age and possible shared cultural funerary practices between northeastern Thailand and central Myanmar. The authors argue that these patterns should prompt archaeologists to be cautious in using burial data to infer prehistoric demography without first addressing the cultural context of burial selection.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
300 m² Funan‑Era Dig Approved at Óc Eo’s Ba Thê Site
via Viet Nam News, 17 June 2025: Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture has approved a 300 m² excavation at the Óc Eo–Ba Thê Cultural Heritage Site in An Giang Province. Led by HCM City University and local heritage managers, digs at four loci—including Tư Trâm Hill and three citadel moats—will run from 18 June to 10 August. Licensed teams must preserve stratigraphy, inform residents, and safeguard finds, which will be inventoried and reported within a month; a scientific report is due within a year. This initiative builds on past excavations revealing canals, stilt-houses, bead workshops and international artefacts tied to the Funan port-city complex.Lý Dynasty Zen Exhibit Brings Artefacts to Life with Tech
via Viet Nam News, 15 June 2025: At Hà Nội’s National Museum of History, the ongoing "Lý Dynasty Zen: Heritage Meets Tech" exhibition uses multisensory technologies—including VR, 3D images, light and sound—to vividly revive Lý Dynasty statues, architectural forms, and artefacts. Experts stress that technology must be underpinned by rigorous research to maintain historical authenticity and avoid reducing exhibits to shallow digital spectacles.[Paper] From Champa unglazed pottery to Cham Bàu Trúc pottery: a comparative approach to technology and production
via Journal of Asian Ceramic Societies, 12 June 2025: Quang Van Son and William B. Noseworthy compare ancient Champa unglazed ceramics with present-day Cham Bàu Trúc pottery, uncovering enduring technological roots. Both traditions use local clay and open-air firing, showing continuity in materials despite shifts in shaping and decoration. The study highlights pottery’s roles—from daily use to ceremonial functions—and calls for expanded comparative research with other ethnic traditions, like the Jarai or Raglai, to enrich understanding of Southeast Asia’s diverse ceramic heritage.[Paper] The Age-at-death Profile of Burial Sites in Mainland Southeast Asia: A Funerary Perspective
via Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d’Anthropologie de Paris, 05 June 2025: A new study by Pradier, Valentin, and Pryce reevaluates age-at-death profiles from 18 burial sites across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar dating from the Neolithic to Iron Age. Rather than reflecting true population demography, age patterns in burials are shown to result from culturally informed funerary practices. Infants and young children, especially those aged 0–4, are often underrepresented—not due to taphonomy or poor recovery, but possibly because of selective burial customs, including domestic burials and the use of jars. The study reveals temporal and regional differences in age-based burial treatment, such as improved infant representation in the Iron Age and possible shared cultural funerary practices between northeastern Thailand and central Myanmar. The authors argue that these patterns should prompt archaeologists to be cautious in using burial data to infer prehistoric demography without first addressing the cultural context of burial selection.
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
[Job] Postdoc Opening in Underwater Archaeology, Taiwan
The Research Center for Underwater Archaeology and Heritage at National Tsing Hua University (Hsinchu, Taiwan) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a 1-year appointment (renewable for 1 additional year). Candidates must submit a CV, cover letter, two references, PhD diploma, a research proposal aligned with one of three focus areas—AI in underwater archaeology, marine object detection, or site conservation technologies—and up to three publications. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. Materials should be sent to [rcuah@my.nthu.edu.tw] with the subject: Application for Postdoctoral Researcher – [Your Name].