Scientists Identify Massive New Dinosaur Species in Thailand

Scientists have identified a new species of massive sauropod dinosaur, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, following excavations in northeast Thailand. Described as the largest known dinosaur from Southeast Asia, this herbivore is estimated to have weighed approximately 27 tonnes, equivalent to nine adult elephants, and measured 27 meters in length. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, indicate that the creature roamed the region between 100 and 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Lead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, a PhD student at University College London, referred to the species as Southeast Asia's 'last titan' because it existed in some of the youngest rock formations before the area became a shallow sea. Although the head and teeth were not recovered, researchers believe it was a bulk browser consuming vegetation like conifers. The fossils, first discovered by locals a decade ago, were fully excavated by 2024. The name references the Naga, a serpent-like being in Asian religious traditions. This discovery brings the total number of named dinosaurs from Thailand to 14, with a life-size reconstruction now displayed at Bangkok’s Thainosaur Museum.