19/09/2026
Imagine standing next to a tree as tall as a 20-story building. Millions of years ago, a massive tree towered over an ancient tropical rainforest, and today, its remains still shock scientists. Deep within Doi Soi Malai National Park in the Ban Tak district of northern Thailand, lies the world's longest fossilized tree trunk, a mesmerizing natural marvel that bridges the gap between our modern world and prehistoric Earth.
First discovered by researchers in 2003, this colossal natural relic instantly grabbed global attention due to its unimaginable size. During its initial excavation, the petrified log measured an astounding 72.22 meters (237 feet) in length. Botanists and geologists estimate that when the tree was alive, it easily towered over 100 meters (330 feet) high. However, nature is unpredictable. Shortly after its discovery, a severe flash flood swept through the excavation site, breaking the fragile tip of the fossil and washing a section away. Despite this damage, the remaining trunk spans an official length of 69.7 meters. This massive portion was awarded a official Guinness World Record in July 2022 as the longest silicified fossil tree trunk on Earth.
Thai environmental authorities date this magnificent fossil back to at least 120,000 years old. It belongs to the Thong Bueng species (scientifically linked to the modern Koompassia or Kempas trees), which still grow in local rainforests today. Over thousands of years, the tree underwent a complex geological process called petrification or silicification. As silica-rich groundwater seeped into the fallen trunk, organic wood cells were slowly replaced by stone-hard minerals. This incredible natural preservation allows us to see the tree's original rings, bark textures, and cell structures completely intact—frozen in stone forever.
Today, the government is developing the site into the Tak Petrified Wood Geopark, making it a world-class geological tourism destination. Visitors can walk along the excavation pits to witness the breathtaking scale of this ancient giant up close. It stands as a profound reminder of the Earth's rich, untamed history and the timeless wonders preserved right beneath our feet.
Sources: Bangkok Post, The Thaiger, Guinness World Records / Department of National Parks (Thailand).