Weddings, Warzones, and Wooden Boats
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 7 - 13 July 2025
Selamat Pagi! Apologies for the lateness in this week’s newsletter - I was away over the weekend, and coupled with a larger than normal number of stories from last week, it took me a couple of days to sort them all into this week’s digest.
Last week the World Heritage Committee met in Paris to deliberate on a new round of nominees to the World Heritage List. From out part of the world, we have the Forest Research Institute Malaysia and also the Cambodian genocide memorial sites Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek, and M-13 Prison. Southeast Asia is also in the map for the first ever transboundary World Heritage Site, the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, and Laos' Hin Nam No National Park in Vietnam and Laos respectively.
But another transboundary issue continues to take the news last week, as the tensions between Cambodia and Thailand continue to simmer over a number of fronts, including allegations of temple copying, the origins of Angkor Wat, and the return of Cambodian artifacts from Thailand. And these are just the conflicts related to culture and archaeology; all this is in the backdrop of a border skirmish between the two countries, border closures and political upheavals that are beyond the scope of this newsletter.
These developments remind us that heritage isn’t just about the past—it’s very much entangled in the present, shaping and shaped by the politics, pride, and pressures of our time. From international accolades to interregional acrimony, it’s been quite the week in Southeast Asian archaeology.
And now, on to the news:
Contents
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Highlights of the Week
In no particular order, here are five of the most popular stories from this week:
UNESCO Lists Khmer Rouge Sites as Places of Peace and Reflection
via Khmer Times, 14 July 2025: Cambodia has celebrated the UNESCO inscription of three former Khmer Rouge detention and execution sites—Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Killing Fields, and M-13 prison—as “Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection.” This marks Cambodia’s fifth World Heritage inscription and its first tied to modern conflict. The recognition comes 50 years after the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power and acknowledges the immense suffering endured under the regime, which led to the deaths of up to 2.2 million people. National ceremonies and symbolic drumbeatings marked the occasion, while officials framed the listing as both a tribute to resilience and a tool for peace education.
See also: Straits Times, Bangkok Post, Big Country, The Filipino TimesFRIM Selangor Forest Park Gains UNESCO World Heritage Status
via The Malaysian Reserve, 12 July 2025: Malaysia’s FRIM Selangor Forest Park has officially been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. The site, once a tin mining area, has been transformed into a biodiverse tropical rainforest through one of the world’s earliest and most successful large-scale forest restoration projects. The listing affirms Malaysia’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. As the sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country, FRIM Selangor is expected to play a major role in upcoming tourism campaigns like Visit Selangor Year 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.Ancient Child Burial With Face-Carved Jar Found in Vietnam
via Vietnam.vn, 11 July 2025: A jar tomb with a carved human face from Vietnam’s Go Cay Tram site has been officially recognised as a national treasure. Discovered during 2018–2019 excavations by Vietnamese and Korean archaeologists, this 4th–5th century burial features Southeast Asia’s first known coffin jar deliberately crafted with a facial depiction. The tomb held the remains of a 7–8-year-old child, along with grave goods including gold and glass beads. Experts highlight the jar’s rare iconography and its ceramic style—dated to the 1st–3rd centuries—suggesting a sophisticated blend of funerary tradition, artistic expression, and regional trade during the height of the Oc Eo culture.
See also: Thanh NiênJakarta Hosts Cheng Ho Maritime Exhibition with Shanghai Museum
via ANTARA, 11 July 2025: Jakarta and the Shanghai Art Collection Museum have launched a joint exhibition titled Miles Apart, Close at Heart, celebrating the legendary voyages of Ming Dynasty admiral Cheng Ho (Zheng He). Held at Jakarta’s Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics until 11 August, the exhibit features 50 artefacts, including maritime maps, navigation tools, and Ming-era porcelain. Officials hope the exhibit deepens Indonesia–China ties and cultural understanding. A reciprocal exhibition is planned in Shanghai in 2027 to coincide with Jakarta’s 500th anniversary.Cambodia Pushes Ahead with Artefact Return Despite Thai Hold-Up
via Khmer Times, 07 July 2025: Cambodia has agreed to cover the transportation costs for 20 Khmer artefacts after Thailand suspended their repatriation, citing financial constraints and tense bilateral relations. The artefacts—part of a batch smuggled into Thailand from Singapore and verified as Cambodian—were meant to be returned following a 2024 agreement. Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona has formally requested Thailand to proceed as scheduled, with a July handover in Bangkok and August transfer to Cambodia. The move underscores Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to recover its looted cultural heritage, even amid diplomatic friction.
See also: Thai PBS, The Nation, Bangkok Post, Cambodianess
Upcoming Events
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
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)
Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Southeast Asia]
How wetland rice shaped early societies and Southeast Asian trade
via Times of India, 06 July 2025: Archaeobotanist Dorian Q. Fuller explains that rice was first cultivated independently in China’s Yangtze Basin (~10,000 BP) and possibly in northern India (~9,000–5,000 BP). Genetic mixing of East Asian Japonica and South Asian wild rice around 4,000 BP gave rise to today’s Indica. Rice’s shift from flooded wetlands to irrigated paddies reshaped landscapes, boosted societal complexity, and fostered early trade—linking India and Southeast Asia centuries before religious exchanges.
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
UNESCO Lists Khmer Rouge Sites as Places of Peace and Reflection
via Khmer Times, 14 July 2025: Cambodia has celebrated the UNESCO inscription of three former Khmer Rouge detention and execution sites—Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Killing Fields, and M-13 prison—as “Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection.” This marks Cambodia’s fifth World Heritage inscription and its first tied to modern conflict. The recognition comes 50 years after the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power and acknowledges the immense suffering endured under the regime, which led to the deaths of up to 2.2 million people. National ceremonies and symbolic drumbeatings marked the occasion, while officials framed the listing as both a tribute to resilience and a tool for peace education.
See also: Straits Times, Bangkok Post, Big Country, The Filipino TimesCambodia Slams Thai Claims on Angkor Wat Origins
via Khmer Times, 12 July 2025: Cambodia has fiercely rejected claims by Thai academic Dr. Rungroj Piromanukul that Angkor Wat was modelled after Thailand’s Phimai Sanctuary, calling the argument a “fabrication” and act of historical appropriation. The article asserts that Phimai was built by the Khmer, long before the Thai state existed, and cannot be considered a Thai prototype for Angkor Wat. Cambodian scholar Dr. Roth Santepheap refutes claims that architectural elements like naga motifs or narrative reliefs originated in Thailand, pointing out they are common Khmer features. The controversy arises amid Thailand’s construction of an Angkor Wat-style replica in Buriram without Cambodia’s approval, which Phnom Penh sees as cultural theft. The article concludes that while Thai academics try to reframe history, Cambodia remains the rightful custodian of the Angkorian legacy.
See also: Khaosod (Facebook)APSARA Restores Ancient Brick Tower at Phnom Bakheng
via Khmer Times, 12 July 2025: The APSARA National Authority has completed restoration work on the G14 brick tower at Phnom Bakheng Temple, stabilising the deteriorated structure and preserving its historical integrity. The restoration, launched in early 2025, addressed critical brick decay and vegetation damage, strengthening the tower’s foundation and walls. Archaeologist Chhun Ratana praised the project’s success in reviving the tower’s original form and safeguarding the thousand-year-old Angkorian monument for future generations and tourists.Restoration Progresses on Angkor Wat’s Bakan Tower
via Khmer Times, 12 July 2025: Restoration efforts at the northeast corner of Angkor Wat’s iconic Bakan Tower are progressing significantly, according to the APSARA National Authority. Conducted with support from the Korean Heritage Agency, the project began in February 2025 and targets the repair of cracked platforms and stairs at high risk of collapse. Guided by ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk recommendations, the work involves carefully reinforcing stone layers. Visitor access remains open, though safety barriers are in place. The restoration is scheduled for completion by late 2026.Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Angkor Copy, Thailand Denies
via various sources, 11-14 July 2025: A diplomatic spat has erupted at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee after Cambodia formally accused Thailand of replicating Angkor Wat in the construction of Wat Phu Man Fah in Buriram. Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona argued the temple undermines the integrity and outstanding universal value of Angkor Wat, and requested UNESCO's intervention. Thailand strongly rejected the claim, stating the temple is inspired by Thai sites like Phimai and Phanom Rung. While Cambodia sees the structure as cultural appropriation, most UNESCO delegates viewed the matter as suitable for bilateral dialogue.
See also: The Nation, Cambodianess, Khmer Times, The Nation, Thai PBS, Bangkok Post, Khaosod, Pattaya Mail, Thai PBS, Kiripost, UCANewsANA Launches Urgent Repairs at Phnom Krom Temple
via Khmer Times, 10 July 2025: Cambodia’s APSARA National Authority has launched a major restoration effort at a deteriorating brick temple in the southeast corner of Phnom Krom Temple, south of Siem Reap. The project began in May and is set to conclude in November 2025. Conservation teams are replacing decayed bricks, reinforcing weak walls with original materials, and applying mortar to joints to prevent water and insect damage. The southern wall, at risk of collapse, is receiving special attention. The project, advised by ICC-Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk experts, continues ANA’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable brick structures in the Angkor region.
See also: Khmer TimesCambodia Marks 8 Years of Sambor Prei Kuk’s UNESCO Listing
via Khmer Times, 09 July 2025: Cambodia has commemorated the 8th anniversary of Sambor Prei Kuk’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its status as the former Chenla capital of Ishanapura. Built between the 6th and 8th centuries, the temple complex is noted for its early Khmer architectural innovations, including rare octagonal towers and ornate sandstone carvings. King Norodom Sihamoni and government officials celebrated the milestone with ceremonies and acknowledgements of international preservation partners. The site welcomed over 30,000 visitors in the first half of 2025.
See also: Khmer TimesCambodia Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Ancient Wedding Rituals
via Khmer Times, 09 July 2025: Cambodia has officially submitted the “Khmer Traditional Wedding” ceremony for inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The elaborate wedding ritual, also known as “Kar,” features formal processions, traditional attire, symbolic rites, and music—elements still widely practiced today. The nomination, submitted in April 2024, reflects a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, communities, and cultural practitioners. Currently under review by UNESCO, a final decision is expected by the end of 2026. If successful, it will join other Cambodian cultural entries such as Sbek Thom and the Royal Ballet.
See also: Office of the Council of Ministers, EAC NewsPreah Vihear Temple Marks 17 Years as UNESCO Site
via Khmer Times, 07 July 2025: Cambodia marked the 17th anniversary of Preah Vihear Temple’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List with a celebration that included a royal message, a heritage run, and community events. The 11th-century mountain temple, dedicated to Shiva and renowned for its unique clifftop architecture, was officially recognised by UNESCO in 2008. King Norodom Sihamoni hailed the listing as a milestone in safeguarding Khmer heritage, while local authorities highlighted its growing role in tourism and national pride. The temple drew 100,000 visitors in 2024, with similar numbers expected this year.Cambodia Pushes Ahead with Artefact Return Despite Thai Hold-Up
via Khmer Times, 07 July 2025: Cambodia has agreed to cover the transportation costs for 20 Khmer artefacts after Thailand suspended their repatriation, citing financial constraints and tense bilateral relations. The artefacts—part of a batch smuggled into Thailand from Singapore and verified as Cambodian—were meant to be returned following a 2024 agreement. Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona has formally requested Thailand to proceed as scheduled, with a July handover in Bangkok and August transfer to Cambodia. The move underscores Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to recover its looted cultural heritage, even amid diplomatic friction.
See also: Thai PBS, The Nation, Bangkok Post, CambodianessAncient Angkor Handicrafts Face Extinction, Experts Warn
via Cambodianess, 06 July 2025: Traditional crafts rooted in the Angkor era—like weaving, basketry, blacksmithing, and vermicelli-making—are at risk of disappearing, warns archaeologist Im Sokrithy. In Siem Reap’s diverse ecological zones, many village handicrafts continue to be practiced much as they were in ancient times, but rising material costs, lack of market demand, and cultural dilution threaten their survival. Authorities are urged to support these crafts through policy, education, and tourism initiatives. A national programme now includes ancestral vocational training to help preserve these skills among vulnerable youth.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
Jakarta Hosts Cheng Ho Maritime Exhibition with Shanghai Museum
via ANTARA, 11 July 2025: Jakarta and the Shanghai Art Collection Museum have launched a joint exhibition titled Miles Apart, Close at Heart, celebrating the legendary voyages of Ming Dynasty admiral Cheng Ho (Zheng He). Held at Jakarta’s Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics until 11 August, the exhibit features 50 artefacts, including maritime maps, navigation tools, and Ming-era porcelain. Officials hope the exhibit deepens Indonesia–China ties and cultural understanding. A reciprocal exhibition is planned in Shanghai in 2027 to coincide with Jakarta’s 500th anniversary.Akas App Helps Preserve South Sumatra’s Ulu Script
via ANTARA, 07 July 2025: South Sumatra is leveraging digital technology to preserve the ancient Ulu script—also known as Aksara Kaganga—through a new mobile application called Akas. The intelligent app allows users to scan, read, and convert between the Ulu and Latin alphabets using handwriting, photos, or typed input. Recognised as intangible cultural heritage by Indonesia's Ministry of Education and Culture, the 28-letter script was once widely used but is now unfamiliar to most young Indonesians. Authorities are also promoting Ulu script in public signage and souvenirs to boost visibility and engagement.Submerged Landscape Sheds Light on Ancient Human Lives
via Science News, 07 July 2025: Fossils of Homo erectus—the first human species to leave Africa—have been recovered from dredged seabed material in the Madura Strait off Java, Indonesia. Collected by geologist Harold Berghuis during construction of an artificial island, the finds include over 6,300 animal bones and two H. erectus skull fragments, dated to between 131,000 and 146,000 years ago. The fossils reveal a once-exposed river landscape teeming with buffalo, turtles, and elephant-like creatures. Cut marks suggest advanced hunting skills, while the lack of stone tools hints at organic alternatives like bamboo. This marks the first underwater hominin discovery in Sundaland and underscores the region’s importance for understanding early human dispersals.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
Tourism Booms at Lenggong Valley as Geopark Bid Advances
via Malay Mail, 13 July 2025: Tourism to Perak’s Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site has surged by over 280% in two years, boosting local incomes and spurring efforts to gain UNESCO Global Geopark status. With 114,182 visitors recorded in 2024, the valley’s archaeological, geological, and cultural diversity is fueling its transformation into a world-class destination and research hub. The recently upgraded RM5 million Lenggong Valley Archaeological Gallery has also reopened in time for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. With 39 geosites and international collaboration in the works, Lenggong is poised to become both an educational and economic powerhouse.
See also: Ipoh Echo, BernamaFRIM Selangor Forest Park Gains UNESCO World Heritage Status
via The Malaysian Reserve, 12 July 2025: Malaysia’s FRIM Selangor Forest Park has officially been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. The site, once a tin mining area, has been transformed into a biodiverse tropical rainforest through one of the world’s earliest and most successful large-scale forest restoration projects. The listing affirms Malaysia’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. As the sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country, FRIM Selangor is expected to play a major role in upcoming tourism campaigns like Visit Selangor Year 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.Penang’s Guar Kepah to Welcome 4,000-Year-Old Skeletons
via FMT, 11 July 2025: The Guar Kepah archaeological gallery in Kepala Batas, Penang, is ready to receive prehistoric human skeletons currently stored in the Netherlands, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The remains, uncovered by Western archaeologists over 150 years ago, are scheduled for repatriation this year and will be entrusted to Universiti Sains Malaysia before being housed at the new gallery. The site gained prominence in 2017 with the discovery of the 5,000-year-old “Penang Woman,” the first complete skeleton excavated by Malaysian archaeologists. The gallery, expected to open in late 2025, will boost heritage tourism and complete Penang’s link in a regional archaeological circuit across northern Malaysia.
See also: BernamaWWII-Era Trolley Tracks Unearthed in George Town
via The Star, 09 July 2025: A 7.4-metre section of 19th-century trolley rail was uncovered outside Fort Cornwallis in George Town, Penang during roadworks in late June. Believed to date from 1895 and manufactured by Barrow Steel, the narrow-gauge track likely formed part of a British-built light railway repurposed by the Japanese during WWII to move arms and supplies. Officials from the National Heritage Department and Penang government plan to preserve the site in situ as an open-air exhibit. Earlier segments found inside the fort support theories of a full transport loop linking the port and military depots.
See also: New Straits Times, The Star, Free Malaysia Today, The Sun
Myanmar
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Myanmar]
Myanmar Maps Earthquake Damage to Ancient Monuments
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 11 July 2025: The Department of Archaeology and National Museums is conducting detailed damage assessments of heritage structures affected by the 28 March Mandalay earthquake. Using GIS mapping and satellite imagery, the team has surveyed over 1,100 sites across nine heritage zones, including 629 damaged structures in Inwa, 280 in Pinya, and 249 in Paleik. Data collected—such as structural condition, damage severity, and conservation priority—will feed into Myanmar’s long-term heritage management and restoration strategies.Bagan Thrives as Pilgrims Flock for Waso Full Moon
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 10 July 2025: The ancient city of Bagan saw a major influx of pilgrims for the Waso Full Moon Day, a sacred occasion marking the start of Buddhist Lent. Devotees arrived at dawn to offer alms and meditate at revered sites like Shwezigon Pagoda, with all 18 pagodas in the heritage zone staying open from 5 am to 7 pm. The surge in visitors brought a much-needed economic boost to local transport operators, food vendors, and lodging providers. Officials praised the vibrant atmosphere and smooth coordination during one of Myanmar’s most spiritually significant holidays.Tourism Collapse in Bagan as PDFs Threaten UNESCO Site
via NP News, 07 July 2025: Residents of Bagan and Nyaung-U Township are facing mounting economic hardship due to threats and clashes involving the anti-junta People's Defense Forces (PDF). The "Bagan Pyi Bilu" PDF warned of attacks on the area in June, causing widespread displacement and a near-total collapse in tourism to the UNESCO World Heritage site. With tourist numbers plummeting, local businesses—from toddy vendors to hotel operators—are suffering massive losses. Residents, many of whom now live in monasteries as displaced persons, voice concern for both their safety and the preservation of Bagan’s ancient religious monuments.Mandalay Quake Damages Myanmar’s Intangible Heritage
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 06 July 2025: A recent earthquake in Myanmar's Mandalay Region has damaged not only structures but also intangible cultural heritage, including traditional festivals and crafts. Field teams from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum surveyed affected areas in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Shan State, documenting disrupted practices like cane-ball tournaments, nat festivals, and weaving traditions. Using international documentation standards, the team compiled an initial list of ten affected cultural elements, with more still being assessed. This response highlights the vulnerability of living heritage in disaster-prone regions.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
New National Museum in Baler Set to Open This Year
via GMA News, 10 July 2025: The National Museum of the Philippines is set to open a new regional branch in Baler, Aurora later this year. Unveiled during the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day celebration, the museum will showcase the cultural and natural heritage of eastern Luzon, including Indigenous communities such as the Dumagat, Agta, and Ilongot-Bugkalot. Designed by architect Ed Calma, the museum highlights both local identity and historical ties with Spain. It is part of the National Museum’s push to broaden cultural access and preserve regional heritage.National Museum-Davao Booms with 181K Visitors
via Mindanao Times, 07 July 2025: The National Museum of the Philippines–Davao welcomed 181,026 visitors in the first half of 2025, the majority being local tourists. Since its opening in December 2024, the six-storey museum has emerged as a vital cultural and educational hub in the region, showcasing local biodiversity, traditional rituals, indigenous and Moro heritage, and textile traditions. Located in People’s Park and offering free admission, the museum has been particularly popular with students, families, and cultural tourists. It is the 17th regional museum under NMP and a key institution in Mindanao’s cultural landscape.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Angkor Copy, Thailand Denies
via various sources, 11-14 July 2025: A diplomatic spat has erupted at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee after Cambodia formally accused Thailand of replicating Angkor Wat in the construction of Wat Phu Man Fah in Buriram. Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona argued the temple undermines the integrity and outstanding universal value of Angkor Wat, and requested UNESCO's intervention. Thailand strongly rejected the claim, stating the temple is inspired by Thai sites like Phimai and Phanom Rung. While Cambodia sees the structure as cultural appropriation, most UNESCO delegates viewed the matter as suitable for bilateral dialogue.
See also: The Nation, Cambodianess, Khmer Times, The Nation, Thai PBS, Bangkok Post, Khaosod, Pattaya Mail, Thai PBS, Kiripost, UCANewsThailand Moves to Nominate Wat Arun as World Heritage Site
via The Nation, 10 July 2025: UNESCO has officially added the Phra Prang of Wat Arun—Bangkok’s iconic riverside temple spire—to Thailand’s Tentative List for World Heritage status. This milestone recognises the architectural and cultural significance of Wat Arun as a Rattanakosin-era masterpiece. Thai authorities, including the Department of Fine Arts, will now develop a full nomination dossier in line with UNESCO's preservation and management standards. The announcement was welcomed as a point of national pride and a step toward global recognition of Thailand’s cultural identity.
See also: The Thaiger, Pattaya Mail, BernamaLanna Heritage Preserved in Chiang Mai’s Open-Air House Museum
via Thai PBS World, 02 July 2025: Nestled in a serene grove on Chiang Mai University’s campus, the Lanna Traditional House Museum is an immersive cultural gem that showcases ten historic Lanna homes and four rice granaries. These structures, relocated and meticulously rebuilt, span social classes—from bamboo “love shacks” for newlyweds to grand hardwood homes of merchant elites. Highlights include the 1896 Phaya Ponglanka House and the 1924 Anusarnsunthorn House, a rare hybrid of clinic, home, and shop. Beyond static exhibits, the museum hosts crafts demonstrations and cultural events, making it a living tribute to northern Thailand’s architectural and social legacy.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
2,000-Year-Old Wooden Boats Found in Vietnam Confirm Dong Son Legacy
via Vietnam.vn, 11 July 2025: Two ancient boats uncovered in Bac Ninh province are now dated to the 4th–6th centuries CE, confirming suspicions that they belong to the late Dong Son period rather than the medieval Lý or Trần dynasties. The boats, measuring over 18 meters in length and built using advanced plank-joining techniques, may have served military, religious, or trade functions. Despite their immense value, conservation remains uncertain. Archaeologist Dr. Nguyen Viet—who pioneered ship archaeology in Vietnam—urges authorities to entrust preservation to specialist units, noting these boats could be among the most significant watercraft relics in East Asia.
See also: Báo Văn HóaAncient Child Burial With Face-Carved Jar Found in Vietnam
via Vietnam.vn, 11 July 2025: A jar tomb with a carved human face from Vietnam’s Go Cay Tram site has been officially recognised as a national treasure. Discovered during 2018–2019 excavations by Vietnamese and Korean archaeologists, this 4th–5th century burial features Southeast Asia’s first known coffin jar deliberately crafted with a facial depiction. The tomb held the remains of a 7–8-year-old child, along with grave goods including gold and glass beads. Experts highlight the jar’s rare iconography and its ceramic style—dated to the 1st–3rd centuries—suggesting a sophisticated blend of funerary tradition, artistic expression, and regional trade during the height of the Oc Eo culture.
See also: Thanh NiênExcavation Begins at My Son to Uncover Cham Ceremonial Route
via Tuoi Tre, 11 July 2025: Archaeologists have launched a new excavation at Vietnam’s My Son Sanctuary to investigate a possible ceremonial pathway once used by the Cham people. Running from July to November, the 770-sq m dig focuses on the area between the K Tower and central temple groups, following earlier discoveries of processional remains in 2023 and 2025. Experts hope to confirm if the pathway served royal or ritual purposes between the 7th and 13th centuries. Findings will contribute to spatial reconstructions and long-term conservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Scientists Reconstruct Ancient Co Loa Military Tech
via Nhan Dan, 10 July 2025: Vietnamese military historians and engineers are challenging the view that Co Loa’s legendary “magic crossbow” was only myth. Drawing from archaeological finds—including tens of thousands of bronze arrowheads and an intact weapons foundry—experts like Gen. Nguyen Huy Hieu and engineer Vu Dinh Thanh suggest the weapon was real. Thanh’s patented multi-arrow crossbow design mirrors principles described in ancient lore and depicted on bronze drums. Their research points to advanced tactical thinking and weapon manufacturing in 3rd century BCE Âu Lạc, with implications for reinterpreting Vietnam’s resistance against Qin invasionsVietnam Races to Nominate Oc Eo–Ba The for UNESCO Listing
via Vietnam Plus, 08 July 2025: An Giang province is expediting efforts to complete the UNESCO World Heritage nomination dossier for the Oc Eo–Ba The archaeological site, with a deadline set for late 2025. The site—central to the ancient Oc Eo civilisation and Kingdom of Phu Nam—was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List in 2022. Officials stress the importance of the dossier as a political priority, urging cross-agency coordination amid ongoing administrative restructuring. The 433-hectare site was first identified in 1942 and is recognised for its role as a bustling trade and cultural hub from the 1st to 7th centuries CE.Vietnam Showcases Ancient Capitals at French UNESCO Site
via VOV, 07 July 2025: A major exhibition opened at the UNESCO-listed Prieuré Saint-Ayoul Monastery in Provins, France, spotlighting Vietnam’s Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Co Loa, its earliest capital. Running until December 2026, the exhibition features immersive multimedia, rare artefacts, and digital tools to showcase both tangible and intangible heritage. It’s the first international presentation of Co Loa and reflects growing cultural cooperation between Hanoi and the Île-de-France region. The partnership includes joint tourism, digitisation efforts, and heritage training. Officials hope it may support Co Loa’s path to future UNESCO recognition.
See also: Vietnam Pictoral, Vietnam PlusMassive war-era bomb found under garden in central Vietnam
via VnExpress, 06 July 2025: A 500-kg MK83 bomb left over from the Vietnam War was safely defused and detonated in Nghe An Province after a local woman discovered it buried in her garden. Military engineers confirmed the U.S.-made bomb—still fitted with a live detonator—posed an extreme risk. The bomb was the largest ever found in the area. After evacuating residents and livestock, military teams neutralized the fuse and safely detonated the bomb at a designated demolition site. The incident underscores Vietnam’s ongoing battle with unexploded ordnance.
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
Jakarta Hosts Cheng Ho Maritime Exhibition with Shanghai Museum
via ANTARA, 11 July 2025: Jakarta and the Shanghai Art Collection Museum have launched a joint exhibition titled Miles Apart, Close at Heart, celebrating the legendary voyages of Ming Dynasty admiral Cheng Ho (Zheng He). Held at Jakarta’s Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics until 11 August, the exhibit features 50 artefacts, including maritime maps, navigation tools, and Ming-era porcelain. Officials hope the exhibit deepens Indonesia–China ties and cultural understanding. A reciprocal exhibition is planned in Shanghai in 2027 to coincide with Jakarta’s 500th anniversary.China’s Lake Fuxian Yields Oldest Wooden Tools in East Asia
via Ars Technica, 07 July 2025: Nearly three dozen finely crafted wooden tools dating back 300,000 years have been unearthed at Gantangqing, on the shores of China’s Lake Fuxian. The tools, including digging sticks and root-slicers, suggest advanced plant-harvesting techniques by unknown hominins—possibly Homo erectus, Denisovans, or Homo heidelbergensis. The discovery challenges the “Bamboo Hypothesis” by providing rare, direct evidence of organic tool use in East Asia’s Pleistocene era. Some tools resemble those used by Neanderthals and modern hunter-gatherers, while others are entirely unique. The species responsible remains unidentified, as no bones were found.How wetland rice shaped early societies and Southeast Asian trade
via Times of India, 06 July 2025: Archaeobotanist Dorian Q. Fuller explains that rice was first cultivated independently in China’s Yangtze Basin (~10,000 BP) and possibly in northern India (~9,000–5,000 BP). Genetic mixing of East Asian Japonica and South Asian wild rice around 4,000 BP gave rise to today’s Indica. Rice’s shift from flooded wetlands to irrigated paddies reshaped landscapes, boosted societal complexity, and fostered early trade—linking India and Southeast Asia centuries before religious exchanges.