BANGKOK — A team of Thai and French paleontologists has confirmed the existence of a previously unknown giant sauropod after analyzing fossilized remains discovered in the Khon Kaen province of northeastern Thailand. The dinosaur, provisionally named Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae after the nearby Phu Wiang Mountain, stood up to 12 meters tall and measured 25 meters in length, making it one of the largest land animals of its time. Radiometric dating places its existence between 72 and 66 million years ago, aligning with the late Cretaceous period.

The discovery was announced today by the Department of Mineral Resources of Thailand in collaboration with the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris. Lead researcher Dr. Somsak Nateewutthipong described the find as "a monumental addition to Thailand’s paleontological heritage" and noted that the fossilized bones, including vertebrae, ribs, and limb fragments, were recovered from a single sedimentary layer, suggesting a rapid burial event. This preservation quality allowed for a more accurate reconstruction of the dinosaur’s skeletal structure compared to fragmented remains found elsewhere.

The new species belongs to the titanosauriform group, a clade known for its massive size and global distribution. However, its close relatives are predominantly found in South America and Africa, making this Thai specimen a rare exception. Dr. Nateewutthipong speculated that the dinosaur may have migrated across ancient land bridges or island chains that once connected Southeast Asia to other continents. The discovery challenges existing theories about the geographic range of these giants during the late Cretaceous.

Local officials have announced plans to establish a permanent exhibition at the Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum, where the fossils will be displayed alongside interactive exhibits. The museum, already a hub for paleontological research in the region, expects a surge in tourism and academic interest following the announcement. Thai Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Pinsak Suraswadi, stated that the government will allocate 50 million baht (approximately £1.1 million) toward the expansion of the museum’s facilities to accommodate the new exhibit. "This discovery not only enriches our understanding of prehistoric life but also positions Thailand as a key player in global paleontology," Suraswadi said.

The identification of Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae comes just months after another groundbreaking find in the same region—a nest of fossilized dinosaur eggs, potentially belonging to a hadrosaur. Paleontologists are now conducting DNA analysis on the eggs to determine their precise species, which could further illuminate the biodiversity of Thailand’s prehistoric ecosystems. The dual discoveries underscore the region’s untapped potential as a hotspot for Mesozoic-era paleontology.

1. First — The fossils were unearthed in 2022 by a local villager, who initially mistook the bones for petrified wood before reporting the find to authorities.
2. Second — A preliminary excavation in early 2023 confirmed the presence of multiple large bones, prompting a full-scale dig led by Thai and international experts.
3. Third — Full skeletal reconstruction was completed in late 2024, with peer-reviewed results published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology this week.

While the new species is not the largest sauropod ever discovered—titans like Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan dwarf it in size—the find is significant for its geographic and temporal context. It provides the first definitive evidence that titanosauriforms inhabited what is now mainland Southeast Asia, a region long overlooked in global dinosaur research. Future expeditions are already planned for neighboring provinces, where similar rock formations may hold additional secrets from the age of reptiles.