The Ko Si Chang excavation report 1983

In 1982, two important wreck sites were discovered off the island of Ko Si Chang in the Gulf of Thailand (Green and Harper, 1982). The initial inspection of Site S indicated that it was a very well preserved site, dating from the late 16th or early 17th century. The cargo appeared to be complex, with some material that was clearly Chinese , some that was Thai, and yet another group of uncertain origin. In particular, the porcelain was of great interest and variety. There was also an indication of a well preserved hull structure. Followin g this survey, plans were formulated to excavate the site in 1983, in conjunction with the Fine Arts Department of Thailand. Approval was obtained from the Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology for this to be an officially recognised Institute Research Project.