CHAIYAPHUM — 15 May 2026, Thai and British palaeontologists have identified a new species of long-necked dinosaur believed to be the largest ever discovered in Thailand and Southeast Asia, researchers said.
The dinosaur, named Nakha Titan Chaiyaphumensis, was identified from fossil remains unearthed in Chaiyaphum province in northeastern Thailand.
Researchers estimated the plant-eating sauropod measured about 27 to 30 metres in length and weighed more than 26 tonnes.
The discovery was announced by Sita Manitkul, a researcher at the Palaeontological Research and Education Centre of Mahasarakham University, who led the study of the new species.
Scientists examined more than 20 fossil fragments, including a right upper arm bone measuring 178 centimetres in length, as well as ribs and hind leg bones exceeding 2 metres.
Researchers said the dinosaur belonged to the Titanosauriformes group, a branch of giant sauropods that lived during the Early Cretaceous period around 100 million to 115 million years ago.
The name “Nakha Titan” combines “Nakha,” referring to the mythical serpent of Thai folklore, and “Titan,” the giant figures of Greek mythology. The species name “Chaiyaphumensis” honours Chaiyaphum province, where the fossils were discovered.
The fossils were first noticed in 2016 by a local resident in Ban Phanang Suea village before the discovery was reported to Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources.
Subsequent excavations by government geologists and palaeontologists uncovered more than 20 fossil pieces, including vertebrae, pelvic bones and the unusually large humerus.
Some of the fossils are now preserved at the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum in Kalasin province, while the excavation site has been developed into a local dinosaur learning centre.
The research project later received support from the National Geographic Society under a programme focused on studying Thailand’s largest dinosaur discoveries and promoting education in Chaiyaphum Geopark communities.
Researchers said the discovery provides important evidence about prehistoric ecosystems, biodiversity and the evolution of giant land animals on Earth before the emergence of humans.
