A villager was shocked when he found human remains and ancient art while exploring a cave in Thailand.

Piya Yimniam, 45, had ventured into the Khao Pha Raet forest in Uthai Thani to harvest bat guano on October 7.

He climbed up to a cavern nestled on a 40ft high cliff and found the entrance covered in red markings, which he initially paid no attention to.

As Piya scoured the ground for bat droppings, he unearthed several bones which he initially mistook for serow remains. However, he was rattled to find a dusty human skull, along with broken vase fragments, sitting several feet away in a corner of the cave.

Piya hurried to report the discovery to village authorities, who called forensics and archaeological experts to the scene.

Pariwat Chiamchit, an archaeological assistant from the 4th Regional Office of the Fine Arts Department, along with forensic police, local wildlife staff, and authorities, arrived to conduct an investigation of the cave.

Pariwat said the skeletal remains belonged to an individual who had passed away, but they did not know the time.

The paintings were said to illustrate ancient ways of life like hunting, and Pariwat speculated that these artworks dated back to around 3000 to 4000 years ago.

Locals have been barred from entering the cave and touching any items inside while it was being inspected for more artifacts.

The cave is set to be declared as a new archaeological site, authorities said.