A new genus and species of an assumed ruminant artiodactyl Thandaungia tinti and an enigmatic dichobunoid artiodactyl are reported from the late middle Eocene Pondaung Formation, central Myanmar. Phylogenetic and biogeographic implications of these taxa are discussed in the context of the adaptative radiation of Selenodontia in Asia. Although poorly represented, these new forms provide an important glimpse into the early evolution of bunoselenodont artiodactyls in Asia, and shed new light on the phylogenetic relationships of basal ruminants. The upper molars of these new taxa display a peculiar morphology that sets them apart from both previously described early ruminants and advanced dichobunoids. A cladistic analysis of early ruminants based on 60 dental features clearly indicates that the new putative ‘proto-ruminant’ from Pondaung may constitute the first offshoot from basal Ruminantia, and may be closely related to the disputed hypertragulid? Simimeryx, known from the middle Eocene of North America. Moreover, these preliminary results underscore the problem of definition for the suborder Ruminantia in that only dental features are considered. Although an Asian origin for ruminants is supported here, further evidence is needed to document the early evolution of ruminants and related selenodont artiodactyls in Asia, which would ultimately improve understanding of the phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns of Paleogene artiodactyls in Asia.