Thailand’s Jurassic Park reveals millions-of-years-old dinosaur fossils
New discoveries in northeastern Thailand are filling gaps in the prehistoric record and attracting growing interest.
Two new dinosaur species discovered
Researchers have identified two new dinosaur species from fossil-rich areas of northeastern Thailand. They include Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, described as Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur, and the long-necked Uragasaurus kalasinensis.
The discoveries are part of a growing series of findings led by researchers at Mahasarakham University. Scientists hope another discovery could soon become Thailand’s 16th identified dinosaur species.
“Thailand really is the hotspot for research and discovery” in Southeast Asia, said Richard Cloutier, a professor of palaeontology visiting from Canada’s Universite du Quebec a Rimouski.
Fossils may fill a major history gap
Although China, Mongolia and Russia are important areas for dinosaur research, scientists say Thailand also has valuable evidence about dinosaur evolution. Researchers believe some Thai fossils could help explain changes between the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods around 140 million years ago.
“The timeframe of our discoveries fills a geological gap or missing link present in records of other countries,” said Suravech Suteethorn, deputy director of the university’s Palaeontological Research and Education Centre.
“Our local dinosaurs are like missing jigsaw pieces that help establish evolutionary connections, particularly around the Jurassic and Cretaceous period transition, approximately 140 million years ago.”
At the university, researchers keep fossil remains of dinosaur spines, necks and legs that can look like ordinary damaged rocks to an untrained eye. Many more fossils are still buried underground, including at Phu Wiang National Park, where Suravech works with his father and fellow palaeontologist Varuvudh.
A mysterious giant fossil is waiting
Under a temporary roof protecting the excavation from monsoon rain, the researchers are slowly exposing the huge neck of another fossil. Suravech has not revealed many details but suggested the discovery could “wow” people.
“These new discoveries indicate the grandeur and richness of our country in the past,” he told AFP.
Varuvudh was also part of the team that recently announced Uragasaurus, a plant-eating dinosaur that could reach 20 metres in length. The animal lived around 150 million years ago and became the first dinosaur of its type identified in Thailand.
Another recent discovery was the 27-tonne herbivore Nagatitan, which lived between 100 and 120 million years ago. Its name refers to a Southeast Asian serpent from folklore, a giant from Greek mythology and Chaiyaphum province, where the fossil was found.
Dinosaur discoveries bring new hope
Northeastern Thailand is considered an important area for fossil hunting because its dry climate and limited vegetation leave fossil-bearing rocks easier to find. Its geological layers are also from periods when dinosaur remains could be preserved.
“I think the current ‘dinosaur rush’ in Thailand is hopefully just the beginning,” said Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, a PhD student at University College London who co-authored the Nagatitan research.
The mostly rural region has historically been among Thailand’s poorer areas, but dinosaur discoveries are creating new opportunities for tourism. The country is already known for beaches and food, while dinosaur museums are giving visitors another reason to explore the northeast.
A dinosaur museum in Kalasin province, where Uragasaurus got its name, opened in 2007 and now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Another visitor to a museum in Khon Kaen, retiree Songyos Toongtubtim, said he was “curious to learn more” after hearing about the latest discoveries.
Limited funding remains a challenge
Despite the growing discoveries, Thailand’s palaeontology research community remains small and funding is limited. Scientists also face high costs when travelling to remote areas to search for fossils.
“There are many fossils hidden here that are waiting for us to uncover,” Suravech said.
“We seek help from the Thai government, but it’s very difficult.”
Suravech, who has loved the Jurassic Park films since childhood, joked that real dinosaur research does not have Hollywood’s huge budgets. “I’m waiting for the moment when there’s a billionaire to support the project like in the film.”
Thailand’s growing fossil discoveries show that important dinosaur evidence is not limited to the world’s most famous fossil sites. Scientists believe the country could reveal more species and help explain how dinosaurs changed over millions of years.
The biggest challenge is funding, as many fossils remain buried in remote locations. If more support becomes available, Thailand could become an even more important centre for dinosaur research and tourism.
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