Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur identified

BANGKOK, Thailand (AFP) — Scientists have identified a massive new dinosaur from remains discovered in Thailand, with the creature estimated to have weighed as much an nine adult elephants. 

The long-necked herbivore stretched 27 meters (88 feet) and weighed about 27 tons, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. 

It probably roamed what is now Thailand between 100 and 120 million years ago and is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said. 

“Our dinosaur is big by most people’s standards — it likely weighed at least 10 tons more than Dippy the Diplodocus,” said lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, referring to the enormous composite cast previously on display at London’s Natural History Museum. 

The Thai PhD student called the newly discovered sauropod “the last titan” because it was unearthed in one the youngest rock formations where dinosaurs are found in Thailand, according to University College London (UCL).

The region later became a shallow sea, he added, “so this may be the last or most recent large sauropod we will find in Southeast Asia.” 

The first remains of the enormous creature were unearthed a decade ago by locals in northeast Thailand, but the excavation was not completed until 2024, according to the study, published Thursday. 

The remains partially resembled those of previously discovered sauropods, but had enough unique features to be considered a new species. 

It has been dubbed Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis after a serpent from Southeast Asian folklore, a giant of Greek mythology and the province of Chaiyaphum where it was found.

A life-size reconstruction is on display at Bangkok’s Thainosaur Museum, according to UCL.