120-Million-Year-Old Carnivorous Dinosaur Footprints Found in Udon Thani
Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister announced the discovery of 120-million-year-old carnivorous dinosaur footprints in Udon Thani province — the first such find there. Six three-toed tracks belonging to a bipedal theropod dinosaur were confirmed by the Department of Mineral Resources on Phu Phan Formation sandstone. The ministry will protect the site under the Ancient Monuments Act and praised public involvement in reporting the discovery.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced the discovery of carnivorous dinosaur footprints approximately 120 million years old in Ban Phue district, Udon Thani, marking the province's first such find after the Department of Mineral Resources inspected and confirmed the results academically. He also commended the public for observing and reporting the tracks, which led to the discovery of significant natural evidence for Thailand.
At 3:30 PM, Minister Suchat presented a certificate of honor to Pichai Prathesena, the informant, at the ministry's press conference, with Permanent Secretary Dr. Rawiwan Phuridech and ministry executives and staff in attendance.
Minister Suchat stated the discovery is a joyous occasion for Thais and demonstrates how public participation can lead to valuable natural discoveries. He thanked Pichai and three other companions who observed and reported the find, as well as those who shared information via social media. He also praised Department of Mineral Resources officials for expediting the inspection to obtain academic confirmation, emphasizing that public information is a crucial starting point for discovering and properly conserving Thailand's geological heritage.
The inspection revealed six dinosaur footprints on the Phu Phan Formation sandstone layer, arranged in a continuous trackway. Dating to the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago, each print has three pointed toes, measuring about 29 centimeters long and 26 centimeters wide. Experts believe they belong to a theropod dinosaur — a bipedal carnivore. Based on footprint size, the dinosaur likely stood about 1.42 meters tall at the hip and measured roughly 6.30 meters in body length, similar to "Siamotyrannus isanensis" previously found in Thailand, though further research is needed to identify the exact species.
Minister Suchat said the ministry will prioritize studying and protecting the country's valuable natural evidence. The Department of Mineral Resources will coordinate with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the Fine Arts Department to proceed under Section 25 of the Ancient Monuments Act, B.E. 2551. The ministry also encourages public participation in searching for and reporting fossils so that Thailand's ancient remains and important geological evidence can be properly studied and protected, building knowledge and passing this valuable natural heritage to future generations.
