SATUN: Human remains and tools believed to date back 10,000 years have been found inside Khao Khom Cave in Khuan Kalong district.
The discovery followed a project led by Kamponsak Sassadee, a renowned spelunker, to explore the cave, known as one of the longest in this southern province and one with the most abundant cave diversity.
Their initial surveys found traces of human existence at the entrances, according to Mr Kamponsak.
The findings include fragments of skeletons, including jawbones and nearly perfect lower molars buried underneath piles of shells.
Mr Kamponsak believed there were more than 10 bodies at this site, adding that the site might be an ancient cemetery because the more he dug, the more human remains were found.
Further exploration found ancient tools scattered around the cave hall.
The cave, equipped with natural lighting from light shaft holes in the main hall, water sources from mountain streams, and food from fish and shrimp, is believed to have been a shelter for humans living in the Stone Age, or at least 10,000 years ago, he said.
He said the length of the cave has not yet been determined, adding that it was found to be much longer than first expected.
On Wednesday, Mr Kamponsak led the team joined by lecturers from Satun College of Agriculture and Technology, representatives of the provincial Tourism Authority Office and the media to visit the cave.
The group has contracted the Fine Arts Department to examine the discovery, Mr Kamponsak said, adding that his team will continue their exploration of the cave after the rainy season.
Nartchai Tuentim, a lecturer from Satun College of Agriculture and Technology, said the college had fenced off the areas to prevent locals who visit for water supplies from ruining the cave.
