Scientists Identify New 88-Foot Dinosaur Species in Thailand

Scientists have identified a new dinosaur species from skeletal remains discovered in northeast Thailand. The long-necked herbivore measured 88 feet in length and weighed approximately 27 tons, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports.

The dinosaur lived between 100 million and 120 million years ago. Researchers said it is the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia and had the same weight as nine adult Asian elephants.

The first remains were unearthed about ten years ago by local residents. Full excavation finished in 2024, the study stated. The dinosaur received the name Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis. The name combines a mythological serpent-like creature from northeastern Thailand with the Greek word for giant.

Lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul said the dinosaur weighed at least 10 tons more than Dippy the Diplodocus. He added that the region later became a shallow sea, making this specimen possibly the last large sauropod found in Southeast Asia.

5 tons. Sethapanichsakul told Reuters that Nagatitan likely faced little predation risk at full size. A life-size reconstruction is on display at Bangkok's Thainosaur Museum. In 2023, another new dinosaur species was identified from remains found on the Khorat Plateau.