Scientists have identified a newly discovered dinosaur species from fossils found in Thailand, revealing one of the largest creatures ever to roam Southeast Asia.
The species, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, was a gigantic herbivorous sauropod estimated to have reached around 27 metres (89 feet) in length and weighed roughly 27 tonnes, comparable to about nine adult elephants. The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Researchers believe the animal lived between 100 and 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, when the region that is now Thailand was vastly different in climate and geography.
Although the fossil remains did not include a complete skull or teeth, scientists infer that Nagatitan was a bulk-feeding herbivore. It likely consumed large amounts of vegetation such as conifers and seed ferns, swallowing plants with minimal chewing, similar to other long-necked dinosaurs.
Palaeontologists describe the creature as part of the sauropod group, famous for their enormous size, long necks, and pillar-like legs. The newly identified species stands out due to unique anatomical features that distinguish it from previously known dinosaurs in the region.
Lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul explained that the dinosaur earned the nickname “the last titan” because it came from one of the youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formations in Thailand, marking the end of an era before the region later became submerged under shallow seas.
The first fragments of the dinosaur were discovered by local residents over a decade ago, but full excavation work was only completed in 2024. After detailed analysis, scientists confirmed that the remains belonged to a previously unknown species.
The discovery highlights Thailand’s growing importance in palaeontology, with Nagatitan becoming one of 14 officially named dinosaur species from the country.
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