{
  "id": 3955132,
  "title": "Beneath Bangkok’s subway: The ancient palace foundations found at Sanam Chai",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/beneath-bangkoks-subway-the-ancient-palace-foundations-found-at-sanam",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-28T12:03:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/arts/2026/08/28/beneath-bangkoks-subway-the-ancient-palace-foundations-found-at-sanam-chai/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Underneath Sanam Chai MRT Station in Bangkok, archaeologists have uncovered traces of ancient Bangkok, including the remains of a once-thriving palace foundation that had been buried for generations. The station, built in 2019, is renowned for its stunning early Rattanakosin-style interior designed to resemble a royal audience hall. However, the most fascinating find was made during the construction of the station's retaining walls, where a multitude of ancient artifacts were unearthed. These included terracotta figurines, bowls, plates, and roof tiles, as well as coins from the reigns of King Rama IV and Rama V. The most significant discovery, though, was the foundation trenches and structural remnants of an ancient palace. These findings offer a glimpse into Bangkok's earlier architectural landscape, evidence of a city layer that had vanished under centuries of development. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and its contractor, upon discovering these artifacts, handed them over to the Fine Arts Department and Museum Siam for preservation and further research. In response, the station was modified to include a dedicated exhibition space showcasing the archaeological discoveries. Now, Exit 1 features a permanent display where visitors can explore the historical artifacts and remains found during the subway's construction. This means that instead of venturing to a distant archaeological site, one can now experience a part of Bangkok's past right at the station. The discovery of the ancient palace beneath the station's modern infrastructure highlights the city's layered history, where the old Rattanakosin era lives on beneath the bustling streets of modern Bangkok.",
  "summary": "Beneath one of Bangkok’s most ornate MRT stations, archaeologists uncovered traces of a much older Bangkok — including the foundations of an ancient palace that had been buried beneath the city for generations. Sanam Chai MRT Station, on the Blue Line, sits in the heart of Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin Island conservation area, along Sanam Chai […] The post Beneath Bangkok’s subway: The ancient…",
  "key_points": [
    "Ancient palace foundation discovered beneath Sanam Chai MRT Station.",
    "Station's 2019 construction unearthed terracotta artifacts and coins.",
    "Exhibits showcase archaeological finds at Exit 1."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}