Chaiyaphum: Fossilized bones of a carnivorous dinosaur, over 130 million years old, have been discovered at Khao Sam Phan Ta, Chaiyaphum Province. According to Thai News Agency, the discovery was made by Mr. Yodsanya Pitabutr, a resident of Ban Mai Nong Daeng, Tambon Chi Bon, Ban Khwao District. Mr. Pitabutr led a research team, including Dr. Sita Manitkul from Mahasarakham University, and geologists Mr. Adulwit Kaweera and Ms. Kasetdaporn Kreuphakdee from the Dinosaur Research and Museum Center, Khon Kaen Province. The team, along with community leaders and over 10 villagers, surveyed the area around the cemetery on the western side of Village No. 9, where the fossil was found.
The fossil's discovery occurred after the community used an excavator to clear land for a crematorium. Mr. Pitabutr collected fragments and submitted them for examination, revealing the type of dinosaur to which the bones belonged. Currently, over 100 pieces, including vertebrae, legs, ankles, and fingers, have been found. Fragments of a shark fin were also discovered in the area. These fragments will be sent to a research center for further study, with efforts continuing to unearth additional parts still buried beneath the limestone.
The newly discovered dinosaur fossil predates the herbivorous NagaTitan, found in Nong Bua Rahew District, by over 20 million years. While NagaTitan is estimated to be 110-115 million years old, this carnivorous dinosaur is over 130 million years old, making it the fourth and oldest dinosaur found in Chaiyaphum. Once research is complete, the community plans to transform the site into an educational and tourist attraction for the province.