"Archaeologists" involved in the discovery. They have unearthed the eastern city wall of Nakhon Ratchasima for the first time in over 20 years, revealing signs of human settlement dating back more than 2,500 years, and are preparing to solve the city's age mystery using scientific methods.
The archaeological excavation progress at the eastern city wall of Nakhon Ratchasima, at Phon Lan Tan Panja along Phon Lan Road, Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, has excited the archaeology community. They discovered ancient city wall remains that were not found during the 2024 survey. This marks a major study of the city walls in over 20 years, conducted jointly by the Regional Office of Archaeology No. 10, Nakhon Ratchasima, and the municipality from 20 July to 8 August 2026, lasting 20 days.
On 3 August 2026, Mr. Wannapong Palakawong Na Ayutthaya, an expert archaeologist, said the excavation is part of preliminary work before Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality renovates the landscape around the Phon Lan Tan Panja moat. According to academic standards, archaeological checks are required before every project because this area is part of the ancient city of Nakhon Ratchasima.
The excavation uncovered the eastern city wall, which was not found in the 2024 survey. This is a significant success since formal study of the city walls began in 1999, with restoration of the Kok Saraloi walls in 2000 and excavation on the western walls in 2006. After a long gap of over 20 years, wall studies resumed this year.
Besides the city walls, archaeologists found evidence of human habitation in the old city area dating from the Bronze Age through the Iron Age and into the historic period. Finds include animal bones, pottery fragments, charcoal, soot, ash, and shells, reflecting lifestyles and consumption from about 1,500 to 2,500 years ago.
Some parts of the area were affected by past landfill and land use, damaging archaeological soil layers. Nonetheless, the discovery of the city wall remains an important piece of Nakhon Ratchasima's history. Samples of organic material beneath the brick bases and bricks bearing rice husk impressions will be analyzed scientifically to precisely date the construction of the city walls, gates, and fortresses for the first time.
Mr. Wannapong said that about seven days remain in the excavation. An initial trench measuring 2.5 by 11.5 meters has been expanded to 7 by 21 meters, revealing the city wall extending from north to south, consistent with historical data. This will be compared with other contemporary ancient cities in Thailand.
Previous archaeological studies indicate Nakhon Ratchasima's city walls were built with bricks approximately 30 x 15 x 7 cm and 25 x 13 x 5 cm, bonded with soil. The foundation was compacted soil, with walls about 2.6 meters thick and 4 meters high, enclosing a rectangular city roughly 5.2 kilometers in perimeter. The city had a surrounding moat, 15 fortresses, and four main gates, representing a strong defense system and holding significant historical value for Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Efforts to uncover Nakhon Ratchasima's history continue. Former Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop, along with Vice Governor Wichit Kitwirat, Deputy Prime Minister's Advisor Tevan Liptapanlop (Prof. Yotsanan Wongsawat), and Mayor Wannat Charnnukul of Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, visited the excavation site at Non Phon Lan to monitor progress and study key ancient city evidence.
They received a briefing from expert archaeologist Mr. Wannapong Palakawong Na Ayutthaya and the archaeological team on excavation progress, findings, and the significance of the emerging city wall remains. Discussions included conservation methods and development plans to promote the site as a historical learning center and a major cultural tourism destination in Nakhon Ratchasima.
The archaeological team continues excavating Non Phon Lan, currently working on the western trench at soil layer 10, about 300–320 cm deep, to study the soil sequence to the end of the cultural layer before moving eastward to seek continuity of archaeological evidence.
They also expanded excavation northward using an excavator to clear a surface area of approximately 7–10 meters, widening the area to about 15 meters across from 0–80 cm depth. Findings include remains of structures, modern waste, concrete posts placed over the city wall line, and a large trash pit, indicating the area has been used and built upon through multiple eras.
However, notably, this soil clearing revealed the continuation of the Nakhon Ratchasima city wall further north, although some sections were damaged by foundations and limestone pillars from past constructions. This provides another crucial piece of evidence that helps clarify the historical picture of Nakhon Ratchasima city.