120-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Tracks Confirmed in Udon Thani

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has instructed the Department of Mineral Resources to urgently investigate the discovery of footprints supposedly made by theropod (meat-eating) dinosaurs. 

The find includes a single trail with a total of six prints on the Phu Phan formation, dating back approximately 120 million years to the Early Cretaceous period, located at the Phu Hin Chom That – Phu Phrabat National Park in Udon Thani.

Under Thai law, fossil protection extends beyond bones and teeth to include “trace fossils” left by prehistoric life. Consequently, this confirmed footprint trail immediately gains legal protection status, even though no skeletal remains were found at the site. 

To protect the site from natural erosion and human interference, the Government has temporarily closed the area and strictly prohibited unauthorized access. Geological experts are conducting detailed inspections, and the public is requested not to dig, disturb, or relocate any evidence. This temporary measure ensures the scientific integrity of the site before further assessments are made and it is turned into an educational location. 

This discovery marks another milestone in Thailand's geological history, highlighting the country’s rich prehistoric environment. Moving forward, the Government is committed to preserving the site while paving the way for research and sustainable geotourism in the future.

Source: PR Thai Government