Deep-sea exploration teams have located the remains of a 15th-century merchant vessel belonging to the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the Gulf of Thailand. The shipwreck, found at a depth of 60 meters, contains a pristine cargo of lacquered ivory carvings, high-quality ceramics, and metal alloys intended for regional trade networks. This find represents one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries in Southeast Asia this decade.
Marine archaeologists used multi-beam sonar and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) to document the wreck's hull, which shows a unique blend of local shipbuilding techniques and influences from broader maritime trade routes. The presence of lacquered luxury goods suggests the ship was part of an elite diplomatic or commercial mission, providing new evidence for the economic sophistication of the Ayutthaya period.