China has agreed to extend the loan of its pandas Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui to the Chiang Mai Zoo for another 10 years.
Baripat Siriaroonrat, panda research chief of the Zoological Park Organisation, said yesterday the loan extension of the giant panda couple for another decade means there will be no need for Thailand to sign a yearly renewal with China.
Mr Baripat said the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment would approve a draft contract for the extended loan and the acting director of the Zoological Park Organisation would sign it on behalf of Thailand.
He said the signing ceremony is expected to take place in the next few months at Chiang Mai Zoo.
Lin Hui and her mate Xuang Xuang have been on loan from China since 2003.
Chiang Mai Zoo director Karnchai Sangwong said the zoo yesterday arranged a party for Xuang Xuang to celebrate its 14th birthday.
The panda was treated to a birthday cake made of iced sweetened fruits, as well as bamboo shoots, carrots and apples.
Lin Hui was also given a cake made of iced fruit to mark the occasion.
Mr Baripat said the zoo plans to try using artificial insemination with the panda couple soon.
Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui have previously undergone artificial insemination, giving birth to female giant panda, Lin Ping, five years ago.