2023’s top stories: Why Thailand’s long affair with giant pandas may be over

Thailand’s long love affair with giant pandas may be over after critics raised objections to another loan deal with China. The curtain came down on the kingdom’s two-decade affair this year when Lin Hui, Thailand’s last remaining panda, died at Chiang Mai Zoo.

The beloved bear, who delighted zoo visitors for 20 years, took her last breath on April 19. She was 21. Thailand had never hosted a panda before Lin Hui arrived, and may not do so again.

Though the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand planned to import more giant pandas from China through a research project, no progress has been reported over the past few months.

Warm welcome

Born in China on September 28, 2001, Lin Hui arrived in Thailand on October 12, 2003, with Chuang Chuang, the male panda selected as her mate in the hope that Thailand would soon hear the pitter-patter of baby pandas’ feet.

The pair were…