Scientists have identified a new giant dinosaur species from remains discovered in northeastern Thailand, marking the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. The long-necked herbivore, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, measured 27 meters in length and weighed approximately 27 tonnes — equivalent to about nine adult elephants.
Discovery and Significance
Researchers from Thailand and the United Kingdom identified the species from fossils found beside a pond a decade ago, with excavation completed in 2024. The study, published in Scientific Reports, indicates that the dinosaur roamed the region between 100 and 120 million years ago. The finding sheds light on how ancient climatic changes allowed giant dinosaurs to thrive.
Naming and Classification
The full name Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis combines "naga," a serpent in Southeast Asian folklore, "titan" from Greek mythology, and "chaiyaphumensis" referring to the Thai province where the fossils were uncovered. The dinosaur belongs to a subgroup of sauropods that emerged about 140 million years ago. By 90 million years ago, they became the only sauropods remaining, persisting until the mass extinction event 66 million years ago.
Lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, a Thai PhD student at University College London, described the dinosaur as "big by most people's standards," noting it likely weighed at least 10 tonnes more than the famous Diplodocus specimen known as Dippy. He called Nagatitan "the last titan" because it was found in one of the youngest rock formations containing dinosaurs in Thailand. The area later transformed into a shallow sea, suggesting this may be the most recent large sauropod discovered in Southeast Asia.
Fossil Characteristics
The first remains were unearthed by locals a decade ago, but the full excavation took until 2024. The fossils partially resembled those of previously known sauropods but possessed enough unique features to be classified as a new species. A life-size reconstruction is now on display at Bangkok's Thainosaur Museum.
