Kalasin Launches Tourist Attraction For Dinosaur Fossils

[webfact]

Kalasin launches tourist attraction for dinosaur fossils

KALASIN, Feb 9 - Thailand's northeastern province of Kalasin officially opened a mobile fossil research centre there along with a tourist attraction at the site where the dinosaur fossils were unearthed.

Kham Muang district chief Lertbut Kongtong, officials from the Department of Mineral Resources, and Mahasarakham University together announced the opening in a news conference.

The search for dinosaur fossils in Kalasin was first undertaken in 2008, but was temporarily halted due to weather problems.

The mobile fossil research centre will serve as a starting point of a serious exploration for more fossils underground for further research and conservation, whereas the tourist attraction just opened becomes the province's new tourist site.

According to senior Mineral Resources Department geologist Dr Warawut Suteethorn, the dinosaur remains found in Phu Noi in Kham Muang district date back some 150 million years, and are believed to be of a herbivorous dinosaur species, being the largest among those of over 200 pieces found. The outstanding evidence to support this is a fossil tooth, a jawbone of nearly 50 cm along with several teeth. The fossils are similar to those unearthed earlier in the province's Sahatsakhan district, he said.

The dinosaur fossils here are considered as being in the most perfect condition in South East Asia, and are believed to be the world's newest species. Natural history officials plan to officially ask for a royal name for the species' remains.

Five examples of the ancient fish Lepidotes Buddhabutrensis and 13 pieces of crocodile backbone were as well discovered in this province.

Meanwhile, the district chief also announced a third mountain bike competition to promote tourism in the area. The winner will receive a royal trophy by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-02-09

[fenny99]

I live in Kalasin , there are still cave men living up here .Yawwwwnnn

CAPTAIN CAVEMAN....

[Fookhaht]

I live in Kalasin , there are still cave men living up here .Yawwwwnnn

CAPTAIN CAVEMAN....

I live NEAR Kalasin, and now you know why we don't travel through there after dark.

[Totster]

Some pics from the Sirindhorn Museum at the Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site - I used to have some of the actual excavation area, but can't find them..

Totster

[quisie]

We had a brilliant time there in early 2009. I'd recommend it to anyone.

There's enough there to keep serious budding scientists busy as well as plenty for younger children.

[TheWalkingMan]

It is a great place!

[tally]

It is a great place!

Entirely agree, I had a great day there.

Although many Thais didn't know whether the main attraction was the fossils or a fat farang visiting the site....

[MJP]

Is this the place in Longcam? Got a life sized T-Rex at the gate.

[Totster]

Is this the place in Longcam? Got a life sized T-Rex at the gate.

It's in Sahatsakhan 16°41'38.37" N 103°31'25.14" E

http://maps.google.co.th/maps?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&q=16%C2%B041%2738.37%22++103%C2%B031%2725.14%22&ie=UTF8&ll=16.694346,103.521767&spn=0.01077,0.01929&t=h&z=16

Can't remember a T-Rex at the gate.. but it doesn't mean one wasn't there..

totster

Edited February 11, 2011 by Totster

[tally]

Is this the place in Longcam? Got a life sized T-Rex at the gate.

You may be right.... but I can't remember it either!