Scientists have unveiled a colossal new dinosaur species discovered in Thailand, estimating that the enormous creature weighed as much as nine adult Asian elephants. The newly identified long-necked herbivore, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, is believed to have lived between 100 and 120 million years ago and is now considered the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia.
According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the dinosaur measured approximately 27 metres (88 feet) in length and weighed around 27 tonnes. Researchers classified it as a sauropod, the group of giant plant-eating dinosaurs known for their towering necks and immense body size. Despite similarities to previously discovered sauropods, scientists determined that the fossilized remains contained enough unique anatomical features to qualify as an entirely new species.
Lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul described the discovery as extraordinary in both scale and scientific significance. Comparing the dinosaur to the famous Diplodocus cast “Dippy,” formerly displayed at London’s Natural History Museum, Sethapanichsakul noted that the Thai dinosaur likely outweighed it by at least 10 tonnes. The researcher also referred to the species as “the last titan,” because the fossils were unearthed from one of the youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formations in Thailand.
Scientists believe the region where the dinosaur once roamed later transformed into a shallow sea, suggesting that Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis may have been among the final giant sauropods to inhabit Southeast Asia before major environmental changes altered the landscape. The discovery is therefore offering researchers new insight into the final chapter of giant dinosaur evolution in the region.
The fossil remains were first uncovered about a decade ago by local residents in northeastern Thailand. However, the excavation and scientific analysis continued for years and was only completed in 2024. The dinosaur’s name combines references to a serpent from Southeast Asian folklore, the Titans of Greek mythology, and Chaiyaphum province, where the remains were found.
A life-size reconstruction of the prehistoric giant is now on display at Bangkok’s Thainosaur Museum, where scientists hope the discovery will inspire greater public interest in Southeast Asia’s ancient past and its growing role in global paleontological research.
