China agrees to extend Lin Ping's stay in Thailand

BANGKOK, May 10 (TNA) - China has agreed to extend a long-stay in Thailand of Lin Ping, the first-ever female panda born in the Kingdom, at Chiang Mai Zoo in the Thai North. Lin Ping, now three years old, will, however, be first returned to china on October 12, 2013 for mating and will then be back to Thailand for a longer stay of 15 years, together with her mate, on an official loan valued at one million baht annually, revised from the previous deal of 250,000 US dollars yearly, sponsored by the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul told journalists on Friday of the new deal, after talks between Thai authorities and China's new Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the latter's recent official visit to Thailand. Based on the new agreement, Surapong said China will send Lin Ping back to Thailand for the 15-year stay, instead of 10 years as stated in the previous deal, after her reproductive period, usually from February to May. According to the Thai deputy premier, Lin Ping’s parents, Xuang Xuang and Lin Hui, whose stay in Thailand expires in August 2013, will, nonetheless, continue staying at Chiang Mai zoo until Lin Ping and her mate arrive at the northern zoo. The deputy prime minister acknowledged Beijing allows Thai officials to visit Lin Ping during her stay in China and people in Thailand can follow up Lin Ping’s updates on video clips. (TNA)