Excavations at an ancient mound in Ratchaburi have revealed a well-preserved Dvaravati-era stupa-temple. The structure is built with over-sized fire-baked bricks and features limestone base-reliefs depicting scenes from the Jataka tales, showcasing the sophisticated artistry of the 8th-century Mon people of Southeast Asia.
Deep within the central foundation, archaeologists discovered two lapis lazuli reliquary caskets containing semi-precious beads and silver foils. The presence of lapis lazuli, which had to be imported from distant mines in Afghanistan, highlights the extensive maritime and overland trade networks connecting ancient Thailand to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent during the first millennium.