For over two decades, Chiang Mai Zoo was the only place in Thailand where giant pandas could be seen. The story began in 2003, when China loaned two pandas — male Lin Hui (known locally as Liang Liang) and female Chuang Chuang — to the zoo. Their arrival was a national event, and they quickly became the zoo’s symbols and beloved by the Thai public.
The Birth of Lin Ping — A National Joy
After years of failed breeding attempts, May 27, 2009, Chuang Chuang gave birth to a female cub — Lin Ping. This was the first panda cub born in Thailand. The event was celebrated nationwide: her birthday was declared a national holiday, and over 300,000 people voted on her name.
Lin Ping became a cultural icon: documentaries were made, souvenirs released, and she regularly appeared in media. She was called "the cutest panda in the world".
Deaths of Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui
Chuang Chuang died in 2019 from acute heart failure. Her death caused national mourning — thousands of Thais brought flowers and photos to the zoo.
Lin Hui continued living at Chiang Mai Zoo. On November 27, 2023, he was found dead in his enclosure. Cause of death: heart failure, common in aging pandas. He was 26 years old — close to the maximum lifespan in captivity (30 years).
Where Is Lin Ping Now?
Under the Sino-Thai agreement, all pandas and their offspring remain property of China. In April 2019, Lin Ping was transferred to China, to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
As of March 2025, she lives in the reserve under monitoring for potential breeding. She has no official mate yet, but scientists track her reproductive cycle.
Will Pandas Return to Thailand?
Currently, there is no official decision on returning pandas to Chiang Mai Zoo. China has not announced new loan programs with Thailand. The zoo continues species conservation programs, but without pandas.
However, a return is possible: in 2024, Thai Ministry of Natural Resources officials held talks with China, but no formal contract has been signed.
Tradition of Panda Birthday Celebrations
Prior to 2023, Chiang Mai Zoo held annual birthday celebrations for Lin Hui. He received bamboo cakes made of shoots, carrots, apples, and frozen juice. These events attracted thousands of tourists and were widely covered in media.
Conclusion
The panda era at Chiang Mai Zoo officially ended in November 2023 with Lin Hui’s death. Lin Ping lives in China, and Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui are buried at the zoo — their names immortalized on memorial plaques.
Though no pandas remain in Thailand, their story is a vital part of the country’s cultural memory. Whether the loan program will resume is uncertain, but as of March 2025, there are no pandas in Thailand.
Sources:
— Chiang Mai Zoo: Official Statement on Lin Hui’s Death, November 28, 2023
— China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP): Lin Ping’s Status Report, 2024
— Bangkok Post: «Last panda at Chiang Mai Zoo dies at 26», November 2023
— The Nation: «Thailand Says Goodbye to Lin Hui», December 2023
— Royal Thai Government Gazette: Agreement on Giant Panda Cooperation (2003, 2013)
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