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Published on February 26, 2008

The 13-million-year-old fossil has been named "Siamoadapis maemohensis" in recognition of Thailand, where it was found in 2004, said geologist Dr Yaowalak Chaimanee, of the Department of Mineral Resources.

The fossil has links to the present day's loris [Nycticebus coucang] and was the smallest primate of its time - the Miocene epoch, which dates back 13 to 25 million years ago.

Four lower jaws with teeth were found near a lignite mine in Mae Moh district by a joint investigation team comprising Thai and French geologists in 2004, she said.

The fossils were only found in Asia and the discovery will be published in Volume 54 of the "Journal of Human Evolution" magazine on pages 434-443.

Director-general Aphichai Chawajaroenphan warned against possessing fossils or archaeological items after a new law came into effect on July 9, which subjects violators to a Bt10,000 fine.

Those destroying or damaging protected or registered archaeological sites will face a one-year prison term and/or a maximum fine of Bt100,000.

The Nation