The Historic Discovery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This major finding occurred when Dr. Sita Manitkoon and his team identified fossil remains of a previously unknown flying reptile species. The fossil is over 130 million years old and represents the first confirmed evidence of its kind in Thailand and Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Beginning of the Discovery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paleontological research in Thailand has made steady progress, particularly in the Northeast, known for important dinosaur and coexisting animal fossils. However, Sakaeo Province in the East also drew attention, as fossil remains were reported there as early as 2002 but had not been thoroughly studied. Two years ago, Dr. Sita\u2019s team revisited the site and uncovered mysterious fossil fragments that became the starting point of this historic discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Characteristics of the Fossil<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The fossil includes parts of a skull, jaw, and teeth. Detailed examination showed they did not match dinosaurs or other known reptiles. Anatomical analysis confirmed that it belonged to the group Pterosaur<\/em>\u2014flying reptiles that lived alongside dinosaurs around 130 million years ago. This is the first confirmed evidence of pterosaurs in Thailand and Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Naming \u201cPhaya Krut\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new species was given the scientific name Garudimimus<\/em>, derived from Garuda<\/em>\u2014a mythical bird-like creature in regional beliefs and culture\u2014combined with the Greek word pteros<\/em>, meaning \u201cwing.\u201d The name can be translated as \u201cwings of the Garuda.\u201d<\/em> The species epithet also honors a French paleontologist who played a pioneering role in paleontological research in Thailand. The popular name \u201cPhaya Krut\u201d<\/em> was chosen to make the discovery more accessible and relatable to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Significance of the Discovery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As the first flying reptile discovered in Thailand and Southeast Asia, Phaya Krut<\/em> confirms that Thailand was once a habitat for pterosaurs. The fossil is a crucial piece of evidence for reconstructing dinosaur-era ecosystems. It has also sparked interest both academically and among the general public, since pterosaurs are widely familiar through films and popular prehistoric media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research and International Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although only a few fossil fragments were found, collaboration with researchers from China and Brazil\u2014experts in pterosaurs\u2014helped confirm that it represents a new species to science. The research took about one year to complete and was published in an international scientific journal in March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Extending the Discovery to Society<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The discovery of Phaya Krut<\/em> has not been limited to academia. It has been shared with the public through youth camps, training workshops, and exhibitions in collaboration with museums across the country. In this way, the fossil has become a bridge for promoting paleontology in society and inspiring greater interest in science among the younger generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Message to the Public<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Paleontology studies extinct life forms, but it is never outdated\u2014it is a window into understanding Earth and nature in the past. The discovery of Phaya Krut<\/em> is not only a source of pride for Thai researchers but also a reflection of the nation\u2019s scientific potential. Most importantly, it serves as inspiration for young people to explore, research, and seek new knowledge hidden beneath Thai soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/res.msu.ac.th\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Phaya-Krut5.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/res.msu.ac.th\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Phaya-Krut8.png\" "\\"Phaya")
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