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🇫🇷 France /Health & Science

“The dinosaur rush is only the beginning”: Thailand’s giant discoveries turn Isan into a Jurassic Park

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources New plan
  • Fossils from Thailand’s northeastern Isan region led researchers to identify two new dinosaur species this year.
  • Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis is described as Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur, while Uragasaurus kalasinensis was Thailand’s first identified long-necked herbivore of its type.
  • Researchers are examining additional fossils and hope to announce another species, potentially bringing Thailand’s total to 16.

Dinosaur statues stand outside and inside Buddhist temples in Thailand’s northeastern Isan region, where prehistoric reptiles have become part of the landscape. The area, known for rice fields and spicy food, is now being promoted as Thailand’s own “Jurassic Park.”

I think the dinosaur rush is only the beginning.

· Not identified in the provided textThe headline presents the expectation that Thailand’s recent fossil discoveries will lead to more findings.

Its dry ground has yielded fossils that helped researchers identify two new species this year. Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis has been described as the largest dinosaur found in Southeast Asia. Uragasaurus kalasinensis, unveiled last month, was a long-necked herbivore that could reach 20 meters and became the first dinosaur of its type identified in Thailand.

The discoveries have strengthened Thailand’s standing in Southeast Asian paleontology. Visiting professor Richard Cloutier of the University of Quebec at Rimouski called the country a regional research hub. Suravech Suteethorn of Maha Sarakham University said Thailand’s dinosaurs differ from those found elsewhere and that their geological period helps fill a gap in other countries’ records.

The central hub of paleontological research in Southeast Asia.

· Richard CloutierThe visiting professor described Thailand’s role in regional dinosaur research.

The specimens were found about a decade ago, but researchers needed years of detailed verification. More fossils remain in university storage, including vertebrae, neck bones and leg fragments. Other remains are still buried at Phu Wiang National Park, where Suravech Suteethorn and his father, Varuvudh, are working under a temporary roof during the monsoon.

The dinosaurs in our country differ from those found elsewhere.

· Suravech SuteethornHe highlighted the distinctiveness of Thailand’s fossil record.

They are carefully exposing pieces of a huge fossil neck that could become Thailand’s next dinosaur discovery. Suravech has not released many details, but said an official announcement, possibly this year, would impress the public. He said the findings show “the grandeur and richness of our country’s past.”

These new discoveries show the grandeur and richness of our country’s past.

· Suravech SuteethornHe described the national importance of the newly identified fossils.
About this summary

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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