Lum Muang Archaeological Site

Lum Muang Archaeological Site, Si Maha Phot, Prachinburi. Hidden in Soi Thetsaban 10, Si Maha Phot Subdistrict, Prachinburi Province, lies a mysterious site known as Lum Muang. It consists of dozens of cylindrical pits carved deep into laterite ground, aligned in a fairly orderly fashion, yet no clear evidence has ever confirmed when or why they were created. Some pits remain visible while others have been filled with soil or eroded over time, leaving behind fragments of a story that has never been fully told.

 

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) once visited the site on December 18, 1908, and recorded his royal assumption that the pits might have been used for pounding lime to prepare stucco, which was then applied to decorate prang towers in sacred architecture. In contrast, old villagers have passed down a different tale, saying that Lum Muang may have served as a playground for a traditional local game also called “Lum Muang,” where players dropped cowrie shells or small stones into the pits in turn. While this latter explanation may have been developed later, it reflects the way communities reinterpret ancient remains in light of their own lives.

 

On average, each pit is about 0.40 meters in diameter and 0.50 meters deep, spaced roughly one meter apart. Their arrangement has been compared to the shape of a “kanom krok” pan, a traditional Thai dessert mold. The number of pits varies across sources, with some reports mentioning around forty-eight while others suggest over one hundred. This inconsistency only deepens the sense of mystery surrounding the site.

 

Although no formal archaeological excavation has been published to confirm its age or function, Lum Muang remains an important cultural landmark. Its significance lies not only in the physical traces but also in the stories, royal assumptions, and folk interpretations that weave together history, legend, and community identity. For visitors, the site is both a reminder of the questions the past leaves unanswered and an invitation to reflect on the many ways people make meaning out of those questions.

 

Travelers can reach Lum Muang from the Si Maha Phot District Office by heading toward Ban Khok Khwang for about 1.5 kilometers, then turning into Soi Thetsaban 10. The path is narrow and passes through the local community, so it is recommended to confirm directions with residents. Today, the site remains open for casual visits, though no formal exhibits or facilities are provided. For the most accurate information, visitors are encouraged to contact the local municipality or the regional tourism office in advance.