DINOSAURS
Second big fossil site unearthed at Kalasin
- Published: 23/10/2008 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: News
A new site rich in dinosaur fossils has been found in Kalasin province, with some of the fossils estimated to be 150 million years old. The new site is the second fossil discovery in the area after the find at Phu Kum Khao.
The new discovery was made in tambon Din Chee in Kham Muang district near the Phu Phan mountain range.
The fossils were found on land owned by Seethan Saengsit, 62, who made the discovery while working on her land.
Thida Saneyamoon, the chief of the geological survey unit of the Mineral Resources Department, said an initial dig had turned up several types of dinosaur fossils - sauropods and theropods - which were estimated to have roamed the area at least 150 million years ago.
There are also a number of fossils of crocodiles and fish, also estimated to be 150 million years old.
The fossils are to undergo a thorough examination by officials from the department. Ms Thida said the newly discovered fossils would be kept at the Sirindhorn Museum in Sahatsakhan district in Kalasin, where a number of rare fossils of crocodiles and replica skeletons of dinosaurs found in the region have been put on display.
Decha Tantiyawarong, the governor of Kalasin, said he had been told by the Mineral Resources Department that more than 100 fossils had been found.
The discovery was the second in the province following the find at Phu Kum Khao, which has some of the largest fossil deposits in Southeast Asia.
The governor said he had ordered the area to be guarded around the clock to prevent people digging up more fossils to supply illegal fossil traders.
The province bans the removal of fossils from the area without permission.
Based on the new Paleontological Research Protection Act of 2008, effective in August, anyone caught exporting rare fossils without permission could be jailed for up to seven years, or face a fine of up to 700,000 baht, and those trading in fossils without a licence face a one-year prison term or a 100,000 baht fine.
Any fossil discoveries have to be reported to the authorities within seven days, and those wanting to trade in fossils need to obtain a licence.
Anyone in possession of fossils needs to inform the Mineral Resources Department, either in writing or verbally within one year - by Aug 9, 2009 - or face a fine of up to 10,000 baht.
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