Introduction to Our New Dinosaur Discovery: 4 New Species Found In Thailand
Nong Yong, Nong Priao, Nong Khae, and Nong Du are the 4 mascots that were created to promote the TAT’s “Dinosaur Sa-On” tourism campaign. Dinosaur Sa-On was a 260-km route that started from Phu Wiang, Khon Kaen province, and continued through Phu Kum Khao and Phu Faek, Kalasin Province. The route was considered Thailand’s richest and most complete source of dinosaur-themed expedition.
Nopharat Kokwan, Director of the TAT Khon Kaen office, discussed the 4 mascots’ names that they originated from the world’s new dinosaur species which were discovered in Thailand for the first time. The four new species comprise:
1. “Nong Yong”, Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae - the long-necked herbivorous Sauropod giant.
Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae is a large, quadruped herbivorous dinosaur with a long neck and tail, having a body length of around 10-15 metres living in the early Cretaceous period roughly 130 million years ago.
2. “Nong Priao”, Kinnareemimus khonkaenensis - the agile ostrich-like dinosaur.
Kinnareemimus khonkaenensis is a genus of dinosaurs that had the body structure like a nimble ostrich with a 1-2 metre body length, long slender neck, toothless beak, running on its two back legs, feeding on both plants and animals, and living in the early Cretaceous period roughly 130 million years ago.
3. “Nong Khae”, Siamosaurus suteethorni -the crocodile-mouth dinosaur.
Siamosaurus suteethorni, also known as a “crocodile-mouth dinosaur”, is a Theropod dinosaur living in the early Cretaceous period with a long narrow mouth and teeth, like those of the crocodile’s. It walked on its two back legs that were larger than the front legs, and fed on fish in the marshes. The term “Khae” means “a crocodile” in the local dialect.
4. “Nong Du”, Siamotyrannus isanensis - the ultimate predator.
Siamotyrannus isanensis is large and fierce carnivorous Theropod dinosaur walking on two legs, with a body length of approximately 6.5 metres, and living in the early Cretaceous period around 130 million years ago. Research suggested a strong possibility that Tyrannosaurus rex, the famous apex predator, was the descendant of this primitive Theropod.
Introduction to Our New Dinosaur Discovery: 4 New Species Found In Thailand
