Thailand’s ‘Jurassic Park’ shines light on dinosaur evolution

Key Points:

• Northeastern Thailand is experiencing a "dinosaur rush" with significant fossil discoveries, including two new species: Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis and the long-necked Uragasaurus kalasinensis.
• Researchers at Mahasarakham University lead efforts to identify these fossils, aiming to announce Thailand’s 16th dinosaur species soon, filling important gaps in the understanding of dinosaur evolution around the Jurassic and Cretaceous transition.
• The region's dry climate and geology make it ideal for fossil preservation, contributing to its status as Thailand’s richest dinosaur fossil deposit and supporting a growing dinosaur tourism industry despite limited funding.
• Ongoing excavations, such as those at Phu Wiang National Park, continue to uncover promising fossils, though paleontologists face challenges due to limited resources and the high cost of fieldwork in remote areas.
• Scientists emphasize the need for more government and private support to advance paleontological research in Thailand, hoping for increased investment to match the scale of discoveries and their scientific importance.