Two Pandas Set to Arrive in Chiang Mai by 2027
Chiang Mai Zoo Prepares to Welcome Pandas as Part of Thai-Chinese Diplomatic Celebration
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) of Thailand is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the coming year for the transfer of two giant pandas from China to Chiang Mai Zoo.
This announcement was made by the MNRE's permanent secretary, Jatuporn Buruspat, who noted progress in negotiations with China, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Plans include constructing a new, larger habitat for the pandas, which will be more spacious than the previous 6,250-square-metre air-conditioned enclosure.
The pandas are anticipated to arrive at the zoo by 2027 and will serve as goodwill ambassadors to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese relations.
Previously, in 2003, China loaned two pandas—Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui—to the Chiang Mai Zoo.
They were highly popular, drawing over seven million visitors and producing a cub named Lin Bing in 2009.
Xuang Xuang passed away in 2019 and Lin Hui in 2023, both at Chiang Mai Zoo.
Lin Bing was returned to China in 2013 and has since become a mother of seven.
This announcement was made by the MNRE's permanent secretary, Jatuporn Buruspat, who noted progress in negotiations with China, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Plans include constructing a new, larger habitat for the pandas, which will be more spacious than the previous 6,250-square-metre air-conditioned enclosure.
The pandas are anticipated to arrive at the zoo by 2027 and will serve as goodwill ambassadors to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese relations.
Previously, in 2003, China loaned two pandas—Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui—to the Chiang Mai Zoo.
They were highly popular, drawing over seven million visitors and producing a cub named Lin Bing in 2009.
Xuang Xuang passed away in 2019 and Lin Hui in 2023, both at Chiang Mai Zoo.
Lin Bing was returned to China in 2013 and has since become a mother of seven.
