The ammonite fossils embedded in the walkways of Siam Square shopping mall have been confirmed to be genuine by the Department of Mineral Resources.
A team from the Fossil Protection Division led by geologist Adulwit Kaweera was assigned by the department’s director-general Poongboon Pongthong to examine the location after fossil photos were widely shared on social media earlier this week.
A total of 77 fossil pieces were discovered scattered along both sides of Soi Siam Square walkways. The fossils, which ranged in size from 2 to 12 centimeters, were discovered in front of shops, intersections, and in front of stairways. The team said that these fossils most likely came from many countries, particularly Madagascar, which is known for exporting fossils online.
According to the investigation, these fossils were decorated by contractors hired by Chulalongkorn University in 2020. Due to the use of various subcontractors for their projects, the contractors said that they used these fossils to renovate the walkways without knowing their origins.