Scientists have identified a new species of dinosaur, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, discovered in northeastern Thailand. Weighing an estimated 27 tonnes—equivalent to nine adult elephants—and measuring 27 metres in length, it is the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. The herbivorous sauropod lived between 100 and 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Fossil remains were first uncovered by locals a decade ago, with full excavation completed in 2024. Despite the absence of skull and teeth fossils, researchers infer its diet based on related sauropods, suggesting it consumed large volumes of vegetation like conifers and seed ferns with minimal chewing.

Nagatitan belongs to a subgroup of sauropods that dominated global ecosystems around 90 million years ago, persisting until the mass extinction event 66 million years ago. The species name draws from 'Naga', a serpent-like figure in Thai and other Asian traditions, reflecting cultural ties. Its discovery in one of Thailand’s youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formations suggests it may have been among the last of its kind in the region before rising seas altered the landscape.

The find adds to a growing record of dinosaur diversity in Southeast Asia, where 14 named species have now been identified. A life-size reconstruction is now on display at Bangkok’s Thainosaur Museum, helping bring this prehistoric giant to life for the public.