Suwit: Pandas likely to stay longer

The possibility for China to allow the three pandas to stay longer in Thailand looks bright, according to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti.

After returning from China on Saturday night, Mr Suwit said the Chinese government congratulated Thailand following the artificial insemination that led to the birth of a new female panda cub.

This was the first time for a panda to give birth in a tropical country, he said.

He said the initial negotiation with China went well, and both sides would work together in setting up a permanent panda research centre in Thailand.

The Chinese government asked Thailand to take special care of the panda cub due to its high mortality rate, he said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will visit China on June 24 and 25 and may look to persuade China to extend the panda loan deal.