Thailand Inspects New Dinosaur Fossil Found in Sakon Nakhon

The Department of Mineral Resources has inspected a fossilized vertebra believed to belong to a large carnivorous dinosaur at Phu Pha Dang in Sakon Nakhon province.

​Officials from Mineral Resources Office Region 2 visited the site after being notified by Tong Khop Subdistrict Municipality of a suspected fossil discovery at Phu Pha Dang, Ban Huai Hip, Tong Khop subdistrict, Khok Si Suphan district.

​The specimen was reportedly found about 30 years ago in the Hin Lap Phra stream within the Phu Pha Dang tourism area of Phu Pha Yon National Park by a resident of Ban Huai Hip. Local tourism volunteers later coordinated with Sirindhorn Museum and informed local authorities to have the discovery examined under the Fossil Protection Act B.E. 2551.

​Initial inspection found the specimen to be a fossilized vertebra of a large carnivorous dinosaur embedded in fine-grained calcareous sandstone. Since the fossil was found in a stream, officials believe it may have been carried by water. A survey of the surrounding rock layers has not found additional fossils.

​Geological evidence suggests the fossil likely originated from sandstone in the Sao Khua Formation of the Khorat Group, dating to the Early Cretaceous period, about 130 million years ago.

​Sirindhorn Museum is now conserving the specimen in its laboratory for further research and identification. Once the study is completed, the fossil is expected to be returned for display at the Phu Pha Dang Visitor Center.

Sakon Nakhon has yielded several important fossils, including ancient fish, crocodiles, dinosaurs, turtles, freshwater sharks, reptile eggs, and petrified wood, reflecting the province’s strong paleontological potential.

Source: NBT World
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