Bangkok: In a surprising revelation, skeletal remains discovered beneath the main temple building at Wat That Thong in Bangkok have been confirmed to belong to the ancestors of the family who constructed the temple. The discovery has prompted a series of investigations to uncover the historical and cultural significance of the find.

According to Thai News Agency, the deputy superintendent (investigation) of Khlong Tan Police Station stated that the skeleton is that of a female, although her age remains undetermined. Local rescue workers had no records of bodies being buried at the site, as most are cremated and returned to their families. This led to the suspicion that the remains belonged to someone involved in the temple's construction, with the age of the bones suggesting her death occurred around the same time as the temple's establishment.

The bones are set to undergo DNA testing at Chulalongkorn Hospital's forensic department. A red coffin and tray found with the remains were clarified as traditional items used in ancient funeral rites, dismissing any connection to occult practices.

Phra Khru Winai Worawat, the assistant abbot of Wat That Thong, reported that initial contact with the family who built the temple's main hall resulted in their denial of any ancestral connection to the skeleton. However, after the story gained media attention, the family confirmed the remains as those of their ancestors. The temple has advised the family to liaise with Khlong Tan Police Station to manage the necessary paperwork and retrieve the skeleton from Chulalongkorn Hospital for a traditional funeral and cremation ceremony.

The assistant abbot emphasized that the discovery is unrelated to any criminal activity, as the family has positively identified the deceased. The orderly placement of the skeleton beneath the Buddha statue's base and the condition of the remains indicate they were intentionally interred by the family responsible for the temple's construction.

Phra Khru Winai Worawat noted that such a discovery is unprecedented at Wat That Thong. Although it was not uncommon in the past for monks' quarters to house bodies or ashes, any relocation would require coordination with local police. The skeleton's discovery was only possible due to recent renovations that raised the temple floor, revealing the hidden remains.