Thailand will soon receive a new pair of giant pandas from China as goodwill ambassadors, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations this year.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed the news yesterday, before she departs for China today as guest of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. One of the topics to be discussed with China will be the pandas, the Thai premier said.
Reports about the new pandas have met with some opposition, mainly due to concerns over the expense of their care. China is only loaning the pair for about ten years, and Thailand will have to cover the costs.
Some critics say the money should be used for the welfare of animals in Thailand.
Thailand previously experienced China's "Panda Diplomacy" in 2003, when it received its first pair, later named Chuang and Lin Hui. They were housed at Chiang Mai Zoo.
Lin Hui gave birth to a female panda named Lin Ping in 2009, who was later returned to China, as required by contract. Chuang died in 2019, and Lin Hui in 2023.
Paetongtarn said yesterday that discussions have begun over where to house the new pandas, adding that they may stay in the same location as the first pair.
Meanwhile, Jatuporn Buruspat, permanent secretary of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, said there are two options for the pandas' new home - renovating the old enclosure or constructing a new one elsewhere.
Minister Chalermchai Sri-on has surveyed potential sites, Jatuporn said.
