Bangkok MRT unearths 70+ skeletons: Thonburi era mass grave found
A grisly discovery at a Bangkok construction site has captivated archaeologists and historians. Workers preparing the ground for the new Siriraj Station on the MRT Orange Line, running from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre, unearthed dozens of human skeletons, many with their hands and feet bound. Located beneath the Arun Amarin Bridge, opposite Wat Amarin, the remains are believed to potentially date back to the Thonburi period (1767–1782), a significant era in Thai history preceding Bangkok’s establishment as the capital in 1782. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand has confirmed the find, and investigations are underway under the supervision of the Fine Arts Department. As reported by the Bangkok Post [https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2995977/old-bones-at-mrt-station-site-hint-at-ancient-executions], the skeletons' unusual positioning suggests a mass execution.
The discovery of over 70 skeletons has sent ripples through the academic community. The relatively short Thonburi period was turbulent, marked by warfare and political intrigue. Following the Ayutthaya Kingdom’s fall to Burmese invaders in 1767, King Taksin established the Thonburi Kingdom as a temporary capital while rebuilding and securing the nation. This period saw continued conflict with neighboring kingdoms and internal power struggles. The possibility that these skeletons are remnants of this volatile era offers a unique window into the period’s social and political dynamics. The Fine Arts Department is meticulously examining the remains to determine their precise age and origin, a process that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Mass executions, while unsettling to modern sensibilities, were not uncommon historically. Across cultures and throughout history, they served various purposes: suppressing rebellions, punishing criminals, purging political rivals, and enforcing religious dogma. Archaeological finds of mass graves offer valuable, albeit somber, insights into past societies' practices and beliefs.
“Further examination will confirm whether the remains predate the establishment of Bangkok in 1782,” a spokesperson from the Fine Arts Department stated.
Several questions arise:
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Could these skeletons be related to warfare? The Thonburi era’s turbulent history makes this a possibility. However, the bound hands and feet suggest execution rather than battlefield casualties. Further analysis is needed.
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What happens to the remains now? Typically, remains are carefully excavated, documented, and studied. Depending on their historical and cultural significance, they may be reburied in a designated area or become part of a museum collection. Ethical considerations regarding the handling and display of human remains are paramount.
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Will MRT station construction be affected? While delays are possible, authorities have assured the public that the archaeological investigation will be thorough and respectful, and that necessary construction plan adjustments will be made.
This discovery could reshape our understanding of Bangkok’s history. As the Fine Arts Department investigates, the secrets held within these remains may surface, offering a poignant glimpse into a long-shrouded chapter of Thailand’s past. The implications for historical research are significant, and the information gleaned could inform future archaeological endeavors in the region.
