A dinosaur statue stands guard in front of a Buddhist temple in Khon Kaen, while another, dressed in ceremonial robes, sits inside. In this northeastern part of Thailand, known as Isan, prehistoric reptiles are a common sight. Usually recognized for its rice fields and spicy cuisine, Isan has now become Thailand’s “Jurassic Park.” The region’s arid terrain is rich in fossils, and this year, scientists discovered two new dinosaur species: Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest dinosaur found in Southeast Asia, and Uragasaurus kalasinensis, a long-necked plant-eater. Researchers are hopeful about identifying a third species soon, which could raise the total number of dinosaur species found in Thailand to 16. Thailand has become a key hub for paleontological research in Southeast Asia, as noted by Richard Cloutier, a guest professor from the University of Rimouski in Quebec. The newly identified dinosaur species were discovered about a decade ago, but they underwent a detailed verification process before being officially recognized. Many more fossils are still waiting to be studied. At Maha Sarakham University, shelves are filled with fossils that look like broken stones to untrained eyes. In nearby Phu Wiang National Park, Suravech Suteethorn, a paleontologist from Maha Sarakham University, and his father, Varuvudh, are working on an excavation site. They are slowly uncovering parts of a giant fossil neck that could be the next major discovery in Thailand. Suravech is keeping details private but promises an official announcement, possibly this year, that will “impress” the public. The discoveries are shedding light on a previously unknown chapter in the history of dinosaurs. Nagatitan, for example, lived around 100 to 120 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period in what is now northeastern Thailand. Last month, scientists identified Uragasaurus, a herbivore that could have grown up to 20 meters long, the first of its kind found in Thailand. The Isan region is especially favorable for such discoveries, according to Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul from University College London, who worked on the Nagatitan research. The dry climate and sparse vegetation in the area expose fossil-bearing rocks, while the soil contains sedimentary layers of the right age to preserve dinosaur remains. These discoveries are also drawing more attention to Thailand, a country typically known for its beaches and cuisine rather than its fossils. A dinosaur museum opened in Kalasin province in 2007 and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Retiree Songyos Toongtubtim, visiting another museum in Khon Kaen, said he recently became interested in dinosaurs and wants to learn more. However, the rise of paleontology in Thailand is happening despite limited funding, as teams often need to conduct costly expeditions to remote areas. Suravech Suteethorn, a longtime fan of the movie Jurassic Park, humorously hopes for a billionaire to support his research, just like in the film.