CHAIYAPHUM, Thailand – Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a new dinosaur species in Chaiyaphum Province, believed to be the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. According to the BBC, the newly identified species has been named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a giant sauropod dinosaur known for its long neck and plant-based diet.
Researchers estimate the dinosaur weighed around 27 tons — equivalent to about nine adult Asian elephants — and measured approximately 27 meters in length. The discovery was made by a joint team of Thai and British researchers, who said the fossils were first uncovered near a pond in northeastern Thailand about a decade ago. Scientists then spent years analyzing them before confirming it as a previously unknown species.
The name “Nagatitan” combines “Naga,” the serpent-like mythical creature deeply rooted in Southeast Asian beliefs, and “Titan,” from Greek mythology. The species name “chaiyaphumensis” honors Chaiyaphum province, where the fossils were discovered. Researchers believe the dinosaur lived between 100 and 120 million years ago, about 40 million years before the Tyrannosaurus rex. Scientists also noted that Nagatitan was about twice the size of a Tyrannosaurus rex.
Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, the lead researcher and a doctoral student at University College London, said the team refers to the dinosaur as “the last titan of Thailand” because the fossils were discovered in the youngest rock layer in Thailand, where dinosaur remains have ever been found. (NNT) Photos: Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum Facebook Page
