Dinosaur footprints discovered in Udon Thani, Thailand

The Department of Mineral Resources has confirmed the discovery of six dinosaur footprints in Udon Thani province, Thailand. Located within the Phu Hin Chom That–Phu Phrabat National Park, the tracks date back approximately 120 million years to the Early Cretaceous period.

The footprints were found on sandstone belonging to the Phu Phan Formation. Experts identified them as belonging to a carnivorous theropod that walked on two hind legs. Each footprint measures roughly 29 centimeters in length and 26 centimeters in width, featuring three pointed toes. Based on these dimensions, researchers estimate the dinosaur stood about 1.42 meters tall at the hip and reached a total body length of approximately 6.3 meters. The specimen's size is noted to be similar to Siamotyrannus isanensis, a theropod previously discovered in Thailand.

The discovery originated after a tourist, Pichai Prathetsena, photographed the impressions and shared them on social media, prompting an investigation by park rangers and mineral resource officials. Authorities are now working with the Ministry of Culture to implement protection measures under the 2008 Fossil Protection Act to prevent damage from visitors and erosion.