Scientists Identify Southeast Asia’s Largest Known Sauropod
Researchers have discovered a massive new dinosaur species in northeastern Thailand that may be the largest long-necked dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. The species, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, lived between 100 and 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.
The dinosaur’s name combines “Naga,” the serpent-like creature from Southeast Asian mythology, and “titan,” referring to the giant figures of Greek mythology. Fossils were first uncovered in 2016 in Thailand’s Chaiyaphum province.
Patchanop Boonsai
Huge Fossils Reveal a 27-Ton Giant
Scientists excavated 10 fossilized bones, including a front leg bone measuring nearly six feet long. Researchers estimate the dinosaur weighed around 27 tons — more than twice the size of a modern African elephant.
Lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul from University College London described the dinosaur as “the last titan” of Thailand because no younger dinosaur fossils are expected to be found in the region.
Discovery Could Boost Paleontology in Thailand
Excavation work paused in 2020 due to limited funding but resumed after researchers received support from the National Geographic Society in 2023.
Scientists say the discovery highlights Thailand’s growing importance in dinosaur research. Paleontology in Thailand is still relatively young, with major studies only beginning in the 1980s.
Researchers hope the discovery of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis will inspire more interest in science, fossils, and prehistoric life across Southeast Asia.
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