KHON KAEN — Thailand’s first dinosaur paleontologist has unveiled the fossil remains of a sixth new dinosaur species discovered at Phu Wiang National Park in Khon Kaen Province, significantly strengthening the region’s bid for UNESCO Global Geopark status.
The Khon Kaen Provincial Public Relations Office brought 40 local journalists to witness the excavation progress of the newly discovered dinosaur fossil at excavation site 3 in Phu Wiang District, led by Dr. Warawut Suteethorn, Thailand’s pioneering dinosaur paleontologist, on August 6.
Potential Global Discovery
Dr. Warawut explained that the fossil, found at Huai Pratu Teema area within Phu Wiang National Park, represents the sixth new species discovered in the region and could potentially be a new species for the world.
The excavation began in February 2024, with researchers uncovering vertebrae from the middle body section, neck vertebrae, ribs, and teeth. However, front and hind limb bones remain buried deeper in the increasingly hard rock, requiring careful and patient excavation techniques.
“We’re confident this is the sixth new species from Phu Wiang,” Dr. Warawut said. “We need to conduct detailed comparative studies within the Brachiosaurus group to determine its exact classification and how significantly it differs from known species. If the differences are substantial, it will be classified as a new global species.”
The fossil is expected to belong to the same group as Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, the first dinosaur species discovered at Phu Wiang.
Tourism and Academic Hub
Sutharm Wongjan, head of Phu Wiang National Park, reported that the 200,000-rai park, consisting of 60% dry forest, serves as a crucial ecological lung for the region. Dinosaur fossils were first discovered here in 1976, leading to the area’s designation as a national park in 1991.
The site attracts over 6,000 visitors annually, including both domestic and international tourists, with particular interest from students during school holidays who come to study the fossil excavation sites.
World Heritage Ambitions
In 2022, Khon Kaen Province presented its case at an international paleontology conference held at Khon Kaen Geopark, aiming to achieve UNESCO Global Geopark status. Despite discovering at least five dinosaur species in the Phu Wiang valley, the designation process involves complex considerations and challenging factors requiring further improvements.
“It’s possible that by 2026, Khon Kaen Geopark could be registered as a UNESCO Global Geopark,” Dr. Warawut noted, expressing optimism about the province’s potential to become a recognized center for paleontological research and education.
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