Ritual Rice, River Routes and Royal Ruins
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 23 - 29 June 2025
Minglabar! This week, we’re heading deep into the paddy fields, ritual caves, and ruined sanctuaries of Southeast Asia and its oceanic fringe — following rice grains, isotopes, and stubborn bricks to uncover stories that might just shift how you picture early farmers, seafarers, and kings.
First, to Myanmar’s north-central plains, where a new study rewrites how we understand ancient agriculture on the fringe of mainland Southeast Asia. For decades, the standard tale traced early wet rice farming mostly into Thailand and Vietnam, with Myanmar often left on the edge of the map. But thanks to fresh stable isotope research from the UNESCO-listed Pyu city of Halin and nearby Oakaie 1, we now know these communities weren’t just dabbling in millet — they were fine-tuning mixed millet-rice farming systems, experimenting with water management, and slowly shifting towards intensive wet rice agriculture as early as 2,700 BCE. Over a thousand years before the Pyu city-states rose, these farmers were already harnessing rivers, managing irrigation, and eating from the same table — the study found no differences in diet between men and women, a small but telling clue about access and community life on the Neolithic-Iron Age frontier.
Then we sail east — way east — to Guam’s limestone caves. For decades, scholars debated whether the first Pacific islanders really carried rice on those daring canoe voyages from the Philippines 3,500 years ago. Now, archaeologists working at Guam’s Ritidian Beach Cave have settled it: they’ve uncovered clear evidence that these Austronesian seafarers not only brought domesticated rice with them on the longest open-sea crossing of their age (2,300 km!) — they used it not for daily meals but for rituals and burials inside sacred caves. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the symbolic weight rice carried — a taste of Asia’s earliest spiritual cargo, carried across vast ocean highways to shape new island worlds.
Finally, we return to the Vietnam’s Quang Nam province, where the iconic My Son Sanctuary is revealing yet another surprise. Amid decades of bomb damage and jungle reclamation, Italian and Vietnamese archaeologists have uncovered Tower L1, a rare two-story ceremonial tower unlike any other Cham structure yet known. Once a stop for emperors and Brahmins before sacred rites to Shiva, its hidden foundations and unique design remind us that there’s always more to find in these layered bricks and lost lintels — and that centuries of ritual, politics, and spiritual power are still waiting for careful hands to bring them back to light.
These stories are only the start — read on for more restoration updates, archaeology-adjacent border tensions, and community heritage projects from across the region. A huge thank you to Daniel Dwyer for supporting this newsletter on Substack this week. If you’d like to fuel more archaeological storytelling, you can always Buy Me a Coffee or become a paid subscriber right here.
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:
New Discoveries Reveal Unique Tower at My Son Temple Complex
via Vietnam Plus, 29 June 2025: Excavations at the UNESCO-listed My Son Temple Complex in Vietnam’s Quang Nam province have uncovered unique features in Tower Group L, including a rare two-story design unlike any other Cham towers. Italian archaeologist Dr. Patrizia Zolese and a Vietnam–India team found that Tower L1 once served ceremonial purposes for Cham emperors and Brahmins. Meanwhile, urgent restoration continues at Tower Groups E and F, where ancient brick techniques and Shiva worship relics highlight My Son’s exceptional cultural value as the Champa Kingdom’s spiritual heart from the 4th to 14th century.Unearthing Malaysia’s Ancient Lembah Bujang Civilization
via New Asia Currents, 27 June 2025: Lembah Bujang, tucked in Kedah’s lush valleys, is reclaiming its place as one of Southeast Asia’s oldest maritime civilizations. Associate Professor Dr. Nasha Rodziadi Khaw’s team has uncovered remarkable finds, including a life-sized Buddha statue and Sanskrit inscriptions, pointing to the valley’s deep ties with South Asia and its advanced local iron economy. Cutting-edge methods like LiDAR, GPR, and 3D scanning are helping map hidden sites while balancing modern development with heritage protection. Dr. Nasha envisions Lembah Bujang becoming central to Malaysia’s national story and a future UNESCO World Heritage Site — if backed by sustained research, community stewardship, and responsible tourism.
See also: Part 2Rare 1898 Philippine Flag May Be Declared National Treasure
via Philippine News Agency, 25 June 2025: A Philippine flag believed to be 127 years old has been discovered in Antique province, safeguarded by descendants of 2Lt. Ruperto Abellon, a key officer under Gen. Leandro Fullon during the 1898 Visayan expedition against Spanish forces. Local historian Errol Santillan is working with the National Historical Commission to have the flag declared a national historical treasure. The flag — matching the red, blue, white, and three stars design — is thought to have come from Hong Kong with Aguinaldo’s return and was first hoisted in Libertad, Antique as a symbol of independence.
See also: BrigadaThanh Hoa Dig Reveals Royal Road of Ancient Ho Citadel
via Vietnnam.vn, 25 June 2025: New excavations covering 5,000 m² at Vietnam’s Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa have revealed significant details about its gate structures and ceremonial Royal Road. Archaeologists confirmed that the East, South, and West walls share similar large stone techniques, while the North Gate shows different stonework, likely due to later repairs. Excavations uncovered arch-based rolling door construction, parts of the Royal Road with green stone and slate paving, and relics like Tran–Ho Dynasty bricks and Le Dynasty tiles. Experts are urging urgent conservation plans to protect the site and fulfill UNESCO commitments.
See also: Dân Việt[Paper] Living in the middle of the edge: an insight into ancient subsistence practices in Myanmar
via Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 23 June 2025: New isotope research at Myanmar’s Halin and Oakaie 1 sites reveals that prehistoric communities here used mixed millet-rice farming as early as 2700 BCE, before shifting to intensive wet rice cultivation during the Iron Age. The findings link Myanmar’s early agricultural transition to influences from Yunnan’s millet-rice culture, spread along major rivers. The results highlight how early Pyu settlements blended hunting, gathering, and farming before refining irrigation techniques that laid the groundwork for later urban development. No sex-based dietary differences were found, pointing to shared food resources. The study underscores Myanmar’s unique place in Southeast Asia’s farming past.
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.
First Farmers: The Origins of Agricultural Societies by Peter Bellwood
Angkor's Temples in the Modern Era: War, Pride and Tourist Dollars by John Burgess
Indigenous Archaeology in the Philippines: Decolonizing Ifugao History by Stephen Acabado and Marlon Martin
Sigiriya: A Perfect Coffee Table by Katia Sar
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] Earliest evidence of rice cultivation in Remote Oceania: Ritual use by the first islanders in the Marianas 3500 years ago
via Science Advances, 25 June 2025: New archaeological evidence from Ritidian Beach Cave in Guam shows that the first Austronesian settlers brought domesticated rice with them on a 2,300 km ocean crossing from the Philippines about 3,500 years ago — the longest open-sea voyage of its era. Microscopic analysis of rice phytoliths stuck to ancient red-slipped pottery confirms rice was used in early ritual contexts rather than as a daily staple, highlighting its symbolic importance. The findings settle a long debate and support Robert Blust’s linguistic theory that the Chamorro ancestors planned this epic migration with cultivated rice as part of their cultural cargo.
See also: The Conversation, SciMex[Paper] Traversing the Kuroshio: Paleolithic migration across one of the world’s strongest ocean currents
via Science Advances, 25 June 2025: A groundbreaking study combining a real canoe experiment and ocean modeling shows how Paleolithic humans made an epic 225 km crossing from Taiwan to Japan’s South Ryukyu Islands ~30,000 years ago. Using only dugout canoes, paddles, and natural navigation, these early seafarers intentionally traversed the dangerous Kuroshio Current by adjusting course to counter its flow. Simulations confirmed that such crossings were possible in both modern and Late Pleistocene seas — if paddlers chose the right departure point, strategy, and timing.
See also: Reuters/Straits Times, Phys.org, SciAm, Interesting Engineering[Paper] Living in the middle of the edge: an insight into ancient subsistence practices in Myanmar
via Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 23 June 2025: New isotope research at Myanmar’s Halin and Oakaie 1 sites reveals that prehistoric communities here used mixed millet-rice farming as early as 2700 BCE, before shifting to intensive wet rice cultivation during the Iron Age. The findings link Myanmar’s early agricultural transition to influences from Yunnan’s millet-rice culture, spread along major rivers. The results highlight how early Pyu settlements blended hunting, gathering, and farming before refining irrigation techniques that laid the groundwork for later urban development. No sex-based dietary differences were found, pointing to shared food resources. The study underscores Myanmar’s unique place in Southeast Asia’s farming past.
Announcements
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
Survey: Underwater Archaeology Education in China
Dalian Maritime University is calling on anyone trained in maritime or underwater archaeology in mainland China to complete a short survey about their experiences. The aim is to map the current landscape of underwater archaeology education, identify challenges, and shape better training programs. Practitioners who trained through universities, the Institute for Underwater Cultural Heritage, the Belt and Road initiative, or other institutions are encouraged to participate. The survey closes on 25 July 2025 — Take the Survey
Upcoming Events
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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)
Social Shoutout
[Back to Contents]
The Archaeology and Development Foundation has a new redesigned website festuring their work on Phnom Kulen, Cambodia’s sacred mountain range and the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. ADF Kulen combines archaeological research, heritage protection, and community development to safeguard this remarkable landscape. From conserving hidden temples to empowering local livelihoods, they’re ensuring Kulen’s stories endure for generations.
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]
Broken Pillars at Banteay Samre Temple Restored by ANA
via Khmer Times, 27 June 2025: The APSARA National Authority has completed urgent restoration of broken window pillars at the north and west gates of Banteay Samre Temple, addressing severe cracks and fallen stones that threatened the temple’s stability. Restoration head Long Nary explained that the team cleaned moss, reassembled fragments, sealed joints, and reinforced the ancient pillars to withstand further weathering. These efforts ensure both the preservation of the temple’s architectural beauty and its safety for future generations of visitors.Restoration at Banteay Prei Aims to Ease Angkor Congestion
via Khmer Times, 27 June 2025: The APSARA National Authority has entered the second phase of restoring the second east gate of Banteay Prei Temple, north of Preah Khan in Angkor. This phase focuses on reinforcing the gate’s damaged structure by excavating, rearranging, and resetting original stones — after reviewing historical records last year. Missing platform stones hint at past reuse elsewhere. The project, expected to finish by November, is part of a wider plan to safeguard lesser-known Angkor sites, improve visitor safety, and spread tourism more evenly across the heritage park.Angkor Wat’s Naga Balustrades Get Conservation Risk Map
via Khmer Times, 24 June 2025: The APSARA National Authority is creating a detailed risk map for the 950-metre Naga balustrades encircling Angkor Wat’s first floor, aiming to pinpoint sections most at risk from aging, erosion, and insect damage. Over 450 metres have been assessed so far as part of a year-long effort to guide phased restoration work. This follows earlier successful conservation of the temple’s southern staircase and balustrades in 2022–2023, strengthening ongoing efforts to safeguard Angkor’s iconic serpent railings for future generations.Better Access Planned for Banteay Thom Temple Visitors
via Khmer Times, 24 June 2025: Cambodia’s Ministers of Tourism and Rural Development inspected a new infrastructure project to upgrade a 1,500-metre cart road to Banteay Thom Temple, a secluded 12th-century forest temple in Siem Reap’s Angkor Thom district. The laterite-surfaced road will connect the Korean Veang Road to the temple, aiming to attract more domestic and international tourists while improving local access. This project supports efforts to diversify visitor flows across Angkor’s lesser-known sites and strengthen sustainable heritage tourism.Ta Moan Thom Temple Inspires Khmer Pride and Tourism Hope
via Khmer Times, 24 June 2025: Cambodia’s ancient Ta Moan Thom Temple welcomed crowds of monks, students, and locals from provinces including Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, showcasing renewed national pride in Khmer heritage. Visitors praised the temple’s preservation, peaceful setting, and ease of access, reflecting optimism for its potential as a major tourist draw in northern Cambodia. Monks and laypeople alike voiced hopes that Ta Moan Thom will boost local economies while passing Khmer cultural legacy to future generations. Rising domestic tourism and improved infrastructure signal a bright future for the historic site.Cambodia Hosts ICC Session for Inclusive Heritage Protection
via UNESCO, 23 June 2025: Over 200 delegates from Cambodia, UNESCO, and global partners gathered in Siem Reap for the 40th Technical Session of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk, reaffirming the role of community engagement and international collaboration in heritage management. Japan pledged USD 900,000 for Bayon Temple restoration, while Cambodia introduced a draft regulation clarifying land use at Angkor, balancing preservation with residents’ needs. The session adopted 29 recommendations covering conservation, sustainable tourism, community support, and carbon neutrality. The ICC remains a global model for inclusive heritage stewardship as Cambodia prepares to host major heritage and diplomatic events.Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Angkor Wat Plagiarism
via Khmer Times, 23 June 2025: Cambodia’s Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona announced during an Angkor conservation meeting that Thailand has violated the 1972 World Heritage Convention by constructing the Siha Nakhon Temple at Wat Phu Man Fah in Buriram province, modeled closely on Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. She denounced the replica as plagiarism, calling it a violation of Khmer identity and cultural soul, and urged a complaint to UNESCO. Cambodian archaeologists echoed her stance, urging that Thailand cease copying Angkor-style temples.
Source: The NationCambodia Flags Thai Military Breach at Disputed Temple
via Phnom Penh Post, 22 June 2025: Cambodia’s Defence Ministry has accused Thailand of breaching their bilateral agreement when three Thai soldiers led around 150 Thai cyclists into the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple grounds at 7:30 AM—two hours before the agreed access window of 9 AM–3 PM and without prior notification. Cambodian troops immediately stepped in, reminding the Thai side of the rules; the group exited without incident. Cambodia emphasized the importance of honoring the agreement to maintain mutual trust, avoid misunderstandings, and prevent potential border escalation.
See also: Khmer Times, Phnom Penh Post, Cambodianess, Thai PBSAngkor’s Ceramic Tiles Reveal Ancient China Trade Links
via Cambodianess, 21 June 2025: A new exhibition in Siem Reap titled Angkor and China: Ceramic Roof Tiles Tradition and Maritime Trade Road explores the deep ties between the Khmer Empire and China from the 9th to 15th centuries. Jointly organized by Cambodia’s APSARA Authority and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the display features ancient roof tiles, pottery, and bas-relief references like Zhou Daguan’s 13th-century records. Visitors can see how Chinese glazing techniques influenced Angkorian tile design while preserving unique Khmer motifs. The exhibition runs until 31 December at the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum.Cambodians Stage Peaceful Protest at Disputed Ta Khwai Temple
via Thai PBS World, 20 June 2025: About 30 Cambodians staged a small demonstration at Prasat Ta Khwai, a Khmer temple in Thailand’s Surin province that remains under border dispute, by dancing and singing with a loudhailer. Thai border patrol police spoke with the group and reminded them of bilateral rules governing the site, leading the protestors to disperse peacefully without incident. Prasat Ta Khwai, built between the late Angkor Wat and early Bayon periods, is one of several temple sites Cambodia has asked the International Court of Justice to adjudicate amid ongoing demarcation negotiations.Cambodian Conservation Skills Applauded at ICC-Angkor Meet
via Cambodianess, 20 June 2025: At the 40th technical session of ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk in Siem Reap, heritage experts celebrated the increasing leadership of Cambodian specialists in restoring their own monuments. Major projects by Germany, India, Korea, Japan, China, France, and others continue at Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk, but Prof. Mounir Bouchenaki praised how young Cambodian experts now present research and lead conservation works at key sites like Preah Pithu, Phnom Krom, and Sambor Prei Kuk temples.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
Muzium Negara: Malaysia’s Story in Four Galleries
via Malay Mail, 28 June 2025: Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur tells Malaysia’s story across four galleries, starting with stone tools of prehistoric Malaya and culminating in the nation’s 1957 independence. Highlights include the original Federation of Malaya flag and the Pangkor Treaty table, which marked the beginning of British colonial control. Deputy Director Nor Hanisah Ahmad says each artefact — from ancient axes to royal documents — helps Malaysians understand how their ancestors lived, how colonial rule shaped the region, and how the nation reclaimed its identity. For her, the museum’s goal is simple: to remind visitors that every object, however small, tells Malaysia’s story.Unearthing Malaysia’s Ancient Lembah Bujang Civilization
via New Asia Currents, 27 June 2025: Lembah Bujang, tucked in Kedah’s lush valleys, is reclaiming its place as one of Southeast Asia’s oldest maritime civilizations. Associate Professor Dr. Nasha Rodziadi Khaw’s team has uncovered remarkable finds, including a life-sized Buddha statue and Sanskrit inscriptions, pointing to the valley’s deep ties with South Asia and its advanced local iron economy. Cutting-edge methods like LiDAR, GPR, and 3D scanning are helping map hidden sites while balancing modern development with heritage protection. Dr. Nasha envisions Lembah Bujang becoming central to Malaysia’s national story and a future UNESCO World Heritage Site — if backed by sustained research, community stewardship, and responsible tourism.
See also: Part 2Prof Mokhtar Saidin Hailed for Unearthing Ancient Kedah
via Bernama, 25 June 2025: Renowned archaeologist Prof Datuk Dr Mokhtar Saidin, celebrated for uncovering Malaysia’s 8th-century BC Sungai Batu civilization, has been named Kedah’s Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1447H — a rare honour usually reserved for religious leaders. Dr Mokhtar, who began excavations at Sungai Batu in 2007, uncovered iron furnaces and millions of tuyere units, confirming ancient Kedah’s status as a global iron producer referenced by early scholars like Al-Kindi. He called for continued public education and high-impact research to boost Sungai Batu as a major heritage and economic site.
See also: BernamaHow WWII Bombing Led to Malaysia’s National Museum
via Malay Mail, 25 June 2025: Muzium Negara’s origin story traces back to 1945 when an American B-29 bomber missed its WWII target and destroyed the old Selangor Museum, leaving Kuala Lumpur without a major museum for nearly a decade. After independence in 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman envisioned a new national museum to showcase Malaysia’s cultural pride. Designed by Ho Kok Hoe with input from Mubin Sheppard, Muzium Negara opened in 1963 on the bombed site, blending traditional Malay palace elements with modern design. Built with local and international donations, its murals, mosaics, and motifs became iconic.Guar Kepah’s 5,000‑Year‑Old Skeletons Head Home from Leiden
via The Star, 23 June 2025: Malaysia is in the process of repatriating 41 human skeletons from Penang’s Guar Kepah archaeological site, currently housed at Leiden's natural history museum, with the goal of returning them by year‑end. The skeletons—excavated by the British between 1851 and 1934—will be displayed in the newly completed Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery in Kepala Batas, funded with RM10 million and showcasing early human burials from shell middens, including the famous “Penang Woman.” Penang state authorities are coordinating with national agencies to manage the transfer and final exhibition plans.
Myanmar
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Myanmar]
Myanmar Speeds Up Repairs on Quake-Damaged Ancient Pagodas
via Myanmar ITV, 27 June 2025: Myanmar’s Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, U Tin Oo Lwin, inspected the repair and renovation of ancient pagodas, stupas, and monastery buildings damaged by the recent Mandalay earthquake. He visited affected sites in Nay Pyi Taw’s Sayadawgyi Monastery compound, Nyaung Pin Gyi Su Village Tract, and the Bomin Chantha Pagoda in Zabuthiri Township. The Minister urged that repairs follow official restoration guidelines and stressed mobilizing community donations to supplement state support.[Paper] Living in the middle of the edge: an insight into ancient subsistence practices in Myanmar
via Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 23 June 2025: New isotope research at Myanmar’s Halin and Oakaie 1 sites reveals that prehistoric communities here used mixed millet-rice farming as early as 2700 BCE, before shifting to intensive wet rice cultivation during the Iron Age. The findings link Myanmar’s early agricultural transition to influences from Yunnan’s millet-rice culture, spread along major rivers. The results highlight how early Pyu settlements blended hunting, gathering, and farming before refining irrigation techniques that laid the groundwork for later urban development. No sex-based dietary differences were found, pointing to shared food resources. The study underscores Myanmar’s unique place in Southeast Asia’s farming past.Myanmar Scholars Push for Complete Pyu History Record
via Myanmar ITV, 19 June 2025: Myanmar scholars, officials, and archaeologists gathered in Yangon to advance the compilation of a full, evidence-based history of the Pyu period, Myanmar’s earliest urban civilization. Researchers presented recent findings on ancient inscriptions, Pyu script, urban planning, and royal life in cities like Hanlin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra. Deputy Minister Daw Nu Mra Zan urged continued excavation and study to build a strong foundation for Myanmar’s continuous historical record.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
Rare 1898 Philippine Flag May Be Declared National Treasure
via Philippine News Agency, 25 June 2025: A Philippine flag believed to be 127 years old has been discovered in Antique province, safeguarded by descendants of 2Lt. Ruperto Abellon, a key officer under Gen. Leandro Fullon during the 1898 Visayan expedition against Spanish forces. Local historian Errol Santillan is working with the National Historical Commission to have the flag declared a national historical treasure. The flag — matching the red, blue, white, and three stars design — is thought to have come from Hong Kong with Aguinaldo’s return and was first hoisted in Libertad, Antique as a symbol of independence.
See also: BrigadaArchaeology, Coffee, and the Ethics of Community in Ifugao
via Rappler, 22 June 2025: In this editorial, archaeologist Stephen Acabado reflects on returning to Kiangan for a new phase of the Ifugao Archaeological Project, now joined by international collaborators. He recounts how his research has shifted the narrative of Ifugao rice terraces—from being perceived as 2,000-year-old relics to 400-year-old acts of resistance against colonialism—and praises the enduring values of mutual care and community trust. A simple act of honesty at a roadside café—where his lost bag was returned untouched—illustrates how these principles are still actively practiced in Ifugao. Acabado argues that such living values are among the most powerful and underappreciated forms of heritage, reminding archaeologists to be stewards of both the past and one another.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
Thai Military May Close Ta Muean Thom Temple Amid Tensions
via Bangkok Post, 24 June 2025: Thailand’s Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai clarified that local military commanders have the authority to recommend closing Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin if border tensions with Cambodia worsen. The temple, along with Prasat Ta Kwai, is a flashpoint in the ongoing dispute; Cambodia recently accused Thailand of allowing 150 cyclists into an area it claims as its own. While the National Security Council holds the final authority, local commanders can assess security risks on the ground. The Thai government is also building bomb shelters for nearby communities as tensions persist.
See also: The ThaigerCambodia Accuses Thailand of Angkor Wat Plagiarism
via Khmer Times, 23 June 2025: Cambodia’s Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona announced during an Angkor conservation meeting that Thailand has violated the 1972 World Heritage Convention by constructing the Siha Nakhon Temple at Wat Phu Man Fah in Buriram province, modeled closely on Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. She denounced the replica as plagiarism, calling it a violation of Khmer identity and cultural soul, and urged a complaint to UNESCO. Cambodian archaeologists echoed her stance, urging that Thailand cease copying Angkor-style temples.
Source: The NationCambodia Flags Thai Military Breach at Disputed Temple
via Phnom Penh Post, 22 June 2025: Cambodia’s Defence Ministry has accused Thailand of breaching their bilateral agreement when three Thai soldiers led around 150 Thai cyclists into the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple grounds at 7:30 AM—two hours before the agreed access window of 9 AM–3 PM and without prior notification. Cambodian troops immediately stepped in, reminding the Thai side of the rules; the group exited without incident. Cambodia emphasized the importance of honoring the agreement to maintain mutual trust, avoid misunderstandings, and prevent potential border escalation.
See also: Khmer Times, Phnom Penh Post, Cambodianess, Thai PBS
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
New Discoveries Reveal Unique Tower at My Son Temple Complex
via Vietnam Plus, 29 June 2025: Excavations at the UNESCO-listed My Son Temple Complex in Vietnam’s Quang Nam province have uncovered unique features in Tower Group L, including a rare two-story design unlike any other Cham towers. Italian archaeologist Dr. Patrizia Zolese and a Vietnam–India team found that Tower L1 once served ceremonial purposes for Cham emperors and Brahmins. Meanwhile, urgent restoration continues at Tower Groups E and F, where ancient brick techniques and Shiva worship relics highlight My Son’s exceptional cultural value as the Champa Kingdom’s spiritual heart from the 4th to 14th century.Dong Son Ceramic Steamer Named Vietnam’s Newest National Treasure
via Vietnam Net, 29 June 2025: Vietnam has declared the Dong Tien ceramic steamer a national treasure — the first Dong Son-era ceramic item to earn this status. Dating back 2,000–2,500 years, it shows how ancient Vietnamese communities cooked sticky rice using steam, a technique still central today. The artifact, found in Thanh Hoa and owned by collector Pham Gia Chi Bao, is the largest, most intact Dong Son steamer known. Its elegant two-chamber design and intricate patterns highlight the advanced ceramic technology and culinary traditions of the Lac Viet people, offering rare insight into daily and ritual life in Vietnam’s founding era.Vietnam Heritage Sites Threatened by Theft, Vandalism, Neglect
via Vietnam Net, 28 June 2025: Recent thefts, vandalism, and neglect are putting Vietnam’s cultural heritage sites at serious risk, with shocking cases like the illegal excavation of Emperor Le Tuc Tong’s tomb in Thanh Hoa and desecration of Nguyen dynasty tombs in Hue. Sites like the Hue Flag Tower have been defaced and misused, while temples in Ninh Binh have suffered thefts of valuable artifacts. The Ministry of Culture has issued urgent directives demanding stricter protection, clearer site management, updated inventories, and accountability to prevent further violations and safeguard Vietnam’s cultural legacy.4,000-Year-Old Tools Unearthed at Vietnam’s Man Bac Site
via DTI News, 25 June 2025: Archaeologists working at the Man Bac site in Ninh Binh’s Yen Mo District have uncovered stone tools, pottery, and shell ornaments dating back 3,800–4,000 years, offering fresh evidence of vibrant prehistoric life and cultural exchange in northern Vietnam. The find includes oyster shell tools likely used as decorations and daily implements. Experts plan to preserve the site’s landscape and propose an archaeological park as Ninh Binh seeks national heritage recognition for Man Bac, one of the region’s best-preserved pre-Dong Son settlements.Thanh Hoa Dig Reveals Royal Road of Ancient Ho Citadel
via Vietnnam.vn, 25 June 2025: New excavations covering 5,000 m² at Vietnam’s Ho Dynasty Citadel in Thanh Hoa have revealed significant details about its gate structures and ceremonial Royal Road. Archaeologists confirmed that the East, South, and West walls share similar large stone techniques, while the North Gate shows different stonework, likely due to later repairs. Excavations uncovered arch-based rolling door construction, parts of the Royal Road with green stone and slate paving, and relics like Tran–Ho Dynasty bricks and Le Dynasty tiles. Experts are urging urgent conservation plans to protect the site and fulfill UNESCO commitments.
See also: Dân ViệtHue Workshop Honours Heroes of Anti-Colonial Resistance
via Vietnam Plus, 24 June 2025: The Hue Association of Historical Science held a workshop to spotlight key historical figures and local communities who defended Vietnam’s Hue Imperial Capital and Thuan An Estuary during the French invasion from 1883 to 1885. Scholars analysed how internal conflicts between pro-war and pro-peace factions in the Nguyen Dynasty impacted the kingdom’s military response to the Franco-Spanish coalition. Participants urged recognition of battle sites and cultural practices tied to this era as heritage assets. Experts stressed this chapter reflects Vietnam’s enduring patriotism and the feudal monarchy’s struggle against Western colonialism.Debate Grows Over Conserving Hoa Lu’s Den Citadel
via Vietnam.vn, 23 June 2025: The latest excavation of Hoa Lu’s Den Citadel has unveiled vital evidence of 10th-century Vietnamese defensive strategies, showing how terrain, rivers, and advanced rampart construction protected the ancient capital. Archaeologists stress that these finds deepen understanding of how the Dinh and Le dynasties organized labor and managed flood control. However, experts now face tough choices: whether to backfill the site for protection or develop it as an open-air heritage attraction. Many call for scientific, sensitive preservation, warning that rebuilding with stone would distort the original earth-and-vegetation structure. Digital tools, 3D models, and VR are proposed to share this story widely without damaging its authenticity.
See also: Văn Hóa
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
Survey: Underwater Archaeology Education in China
Dalian Maritime University is calling on anyone trained in maritime or underwater archaeology in mainland China to complete a short survey about their experiences. The aim is to map the current landscape of underwater archaeology education, identify challenges, and shape better training programs. Practitioners who trained through universities, the Institute for Underwater Cultural Heritage, the Belt and Road initiative, or other institutions are encouraged to participate. The survey closes on 25 July 2025 — Take the SurveySri Lanka to Clear Illegal Buildings Near Sigiriya
via Hiru News, 28 June 2025: Sri Lanka’s Minister of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs, Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senewi, has announced the removal of all unauthorized constructions within the 200-yard sensitive zone and the 400-yard boundary from Sigiriya’s moat. About 124 residents will be relocated through mutual consent rather than court action, aiming to safeguard the archaeological and historical integrity of the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress.[Paper] Earliest evidence of rice cultivation in Remote Oceania: Ritual use by the first islanders in the Marianas 3500 years ago
via Science Advances, 25 June 2025: New archaeological evidence from Ritidian Beach Cave in Guam shows that the first Austronesian settlers brought domesticated rice with them on a 2,300 km ocean crossing from the Philippines about 3,500 years ago — the longest open-sea voyage of its era. Microscopic analysis of rice phytoliths stuck to ancient red-slipped pottery confirms rice was used in early ritual contexts rather than as a daily staple, highlighting its symbolic importance. The findings settle a long debate and support Robert Blust’s linguistic theory that the Chamorro ancestors planned this epic migration with cultivated rice as part of their cultural cargo.
See also: The Conversation, SciMex