Tourism
Khao Somphot Designated as Thailand’s 29th Fossil Site
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has approved the registration of Khao Somphot in Lopburi as a protected fossil site, aiming to balance conservation with tourism development.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand on September 15, 2026, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has officially approved the registration of 'Khao Somphot' (also known as Khao Raboed Hin) in Lopburi province as Thailand’s 29th fossil site. The decision was finalized during the second meeting of the Fossil Protection Committee for 2026, chaired by Deputy Permanent Secretary Niphon Jamnongsirisak.
The site is recognized for its significant deposits of Alatoconchid bivalve fossils. The committee has approved an integrated development plan that focuses on four key pillars: environmental conservation, scientific research and knowledge dissemination, infrastructure and utility improvements, and the promotion of local tourism and community economic growth.
For travelers and residents, this designation marks a shift toward formalizing the area as a destination for educational tourism. While the government has established a framework for how the site will be managed and utilized, specific timelines for the completion of infrastructure projects and the opening of visitor facilities remain to be confirmed. The initiative aims to ensure that the site is preserved while providing sustainable benefits to the local community. Visitors interested in paleontology or nature-based tourism should monitor future government announcements regarding public access and the development of visitor amenities at the site.