Glass Beads as Evidence of Early Maritime Exchange: New Findings from Khao Thalu Archaeological Site, Chumphon Province

Putsadee Rodcharoen

Archaeological research in southern Thailand reveals long distance interaction networks linked to maritime exchange routes for over two millennia. Excavations at Khao Thalu, Chumphon Province (2025) uncovered four burials dated between ca. 5,620–400 BCE, accompanied by key artefacts including a bronze knobbed ware vessel, numerous glass beads, and carnelian beads. The bead assemblages, together with regional evidence of stone and glass beads from production centres across South and Southeast Asia, highlight extensive interregional exchange. Dental morphology indicates diverse biological backgrounds among the individuals, reflecting both the movement of people and objects into the Suvarnabhumi region. Ongoing compositional analyses of the glass beads aim to refine provenance and contribute to broader interpretations of early exchange networks in southern Thailand.