Experts Probe Possible Dinosaur Tracks in Udon Thani Forest
Authorities in Udon Thani are investigating a set of four large fossilized footprints found in a stream within Phu Hin Chom Thalu-Phu Phra Bat National Park, which may belong to a carnivorous dinosaur. The prints measure about 32 centimeters long and are spaced 80 centimeters apart, prompting the Natural Resources and Environment Minister to order a joint survey by the National Parks and Mineral Resources departments. Officials plan to protect the site and assess its potential as an academic and conservation tourism destination.
On 19 October 2026, tourist Phichai Prathetsena noticed rock formations resembling ancient animal footprints in a flowing stream within the Phu Hin Chom Thalu-Phu Phra Bat (Preparation) National Park in Ban Phoe District, Udon Thani Province, and posted pictures online. Park chief Vinai Thongpan led a team to the protection unit ITh.3 (Phu Phra Bat) in Ban Tiwu, Mueang Phan Subdistrict, where they found four clear ancient footprints on a sandstone plain. Each print is about 32 centimeters long and wide, with a constant 80-centimeter spacing, indicating the gait of a large prehistoric animal. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchatha Chomklin said he immediately ordered the National Parks and Mineral Resources departments to dispatch academics and experts to survey and protect the area, noting Ban Phoe District's historical, geological, and archaeological importance. He hopes the find will become a valuable academic resource and a conservation tourism attraction benefiting the local community. Director-General of the National Parks Department, Yongyuth Nakwirot, added that the site lies on a nature study trail previously observed by SMART Patrol units, but the recent photos prompted a detailed survey that confirmed the similar prints. The surrounding geology is believed to be sandstone from the Korat Group, tens of millions of years old. The park has already established a buffer zone, recorded GPS coordinates, and collected preliminary data to prevent damage from natural forces or human disturbance. Next, the Department of Mineral Resources' Fossil Protection Division and Region 2 Office will send geologists and paleontologists to work with park officials on 20 October 2026 to formally verify the findings, classify the taxonomy, and determine the species and size. If confirmed, agencies plan to develop the site into a geological learning center and promote sustainable conservation tourism in Udon Thani Province.
