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30kg giant rat lived in Thailand 35 million years ago, fossils reveal
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KRABI – A giant rat weighing an estimated 30 kilogrammes roamed what is now southern Thailand around 33–35 million years ago, according to a new fossil discovery that could change scientists’ understanding of how giant rodents evolved.
Key facts
- KRABI – A giant rat weighing an estimated 30 kilogrammes roamed what is now southern Thailand around 33–35 million years ago, according to a new fossil discovery that could change scientists’ understanding of how giant rodents evolved.
- The ancient rodent, named Yakamys sirindhornae , was identified from fossilised molars and incisors discovered in sediment layers at the Bang Mark coal mine in Krabi province.
- The study was scheduled for publication in the international scientific journal Scientific Reports on 4 November 2026.
- Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced the discovery on Wednesday (4 November), saying the animal was the largest rodent yet discovered from the Palaeogene period, which lasted from approximately 66 million
Summary
The ancient rodent, named Yakamys sirindhornae , was identified from fossilised molars and incisors discovered in sediment layers at the Bang Mark coal mine in Krabi province.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced the discovery on Wednesday (4 November), saying the animal was the largest rodent yet discovered from the Palaeogene period, which lasted from approximately 66 million to 23 million years ago.