New dinosaur species Uragasaurus kalasinensis with long neck discovered in Thailand

Palaeontologists in Thailand have unveiled a new species of dinosaur, named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, from fossils found in Kalasin Province. This plant-eating dinosaur, which lived approximately 150 million years ago, features an exceptionally long neck, measuring up to 20 meters (66 feet) — similar to the length of a cricket pitch. The discovery was announced by Dr. Apirut Nilpanapan from Mahasarakham University on July 10, 2026.

Fossil Discovery in Kalasin

The fossils were part of a large collection from a site identified in 2008, when a local man discovered fragments resembling serpent scales. The site, known as Phu Noi, has yielded an extensive array of fossils from the Late Jurassic period. Notably, over 90% of the excavated fossils were dinosaur fragments.

During a recent survey, the team uncovered various fossils, including dinosaur teeth and bones. However, the critical find was a recovered dorsal vertebra, a bone from the dinosaur's back, which exhibited distinct characteristics leading to the identification of a new species.

Characteristics of Uragasaurus kalasinensis

A CT scan revealed that Uragasaurus kalasinensis belongs to the Mamenchisauridae family of sauropod dinosaurs, renowned for their extraordinarily long necks. These adaptations likely enabled them to reach vegetation at varying heights, enhancing their feeding capabilities.

While fossils from the Mamenchisauridae family have predominantly been discovered in China, this finding marks the first of its kind in Thailand. The CT scan also revealed unique features, including a Y-shaped arrangement of supporting bones known as laminae. Dr. Nilpanapan remarked that these characteristics, particularly a unique air-cavity structure, were "unlike any other dinosaur in the world... That’s what sets it apart."

Excitement Surrounding the Discovery

Dr. Nilpanapan expressed his exhilaration upon realizing the significance of the find, stating, "I smashed my computer after realizing we had discovered a new species," adding that he felt both "exhilarated and relieved." The study documenting this discovery was published in the Nature scientific journal earlier this week.

In a related context, another long-necked herbivore dinosaur, the nagatitan, was identified in May from remains excavated in Thailand. The nagatitan is noted as the largest dinosaur found in South-East Asia, weighing 27 tonnes — equivalent to nine adult Asian elephants — and measuring 27 meters (88 feet) in length.