Locals are excited to discover a new carnivorous dinosaur fossil over 130 million years old at Khao Sam Phan Ta, Ban Mai Nong Daeng, Chibun Subdistrict, Ban Khwao District, Chaiyaphum Province. "Nakhathitan" Over 20 million years older
On 4 August 2026 at 09:00, reporters learned from Yodsanya Pitabut, 53, a resident of Ban Mai Nong Daeng, Chibun Subdistrict, Ban Khwao District, Chaiyaphum Province, who first discovered the fossil remains. He led a research team headed by Dr. Sita Manitkul, a researcher at the Paleontological Research Center, Mahasarakham University (the same researcher who studied Nakhathitan Chaiyaphumensis, a new and largest dinosaur species found in Thailand that gained worldwide fame).
Adulwit Kawira, an operational geologist from the Dinosaur Research and Museum Center in Khon Kaen, along with Kasetaporn Krewpakdee, a geologist from the same center, the chief of Chibun Subdistrict Administrative Organization, community leaders, and over 10 villagers surveyed the area near the western cemetery of Ban Mai Nong Daeng, Moo 9, Chibun Subdistrict, Ban Khwao District, Chaiyaphum Province, where dinosaur remains over 130 million years old were found.
The community had used a backhoe to level the ground for building a crematorium for village funeral ceremonies. Yodsanya Pitabut, 53, the temple steward of Wat Khao Chom Chong and resident of Ban Mai Nong Daeng, Chibun Subdistrict, Ban Khwao District, spotted and collected dinosaur bone fragments and handed them to officials for verification, which led to identifying the dinosaur species and bone parts.
So far, over 100 pieces have been found, including important parts such as vertebrae, legs, leg joints, ankles, and finger joints. Shark fin fragments were also discovered in the area. These pieces will be taken for further research at the research center, and efforts will be made to find other parts still buried under the limestone layers in this location.
This dinosaur fossil is over 20 million years older than Nakhathitan, a herbivorous species found in Nong Bua Rawe District. Nakhathitan dates to 110-115 million years ago, while this newly found carnivorous dinosaur is over 130 million years old. It is the fourth dinosaur discovered in Chaiyaphum and the oldest so far. After research concludes, the community plans to develop the site into a learning center and tourist attraction for the province.