By Phitsanu Thepthong.
While it's a bit late for the actual birthday, the Chiang Mai Zoo in the North, Lin Ping's home since she arrived in Thailand, hosted a celebration to mark her third birthday.
China's new Consul General in Chiang Mai, Zhang Weicai, visited the zoo with a special gift for Lin Ping -- a three layered iced cake topped with fruit. Lin Ping means “forest of ice.”
Consul General Zhang, together with Chiang Mai Zoo Director Thanapat Pongpamorn, led visitors and guests in celebrating the birthday for the healthy 180kg panda. Chinese Consul General Zhang Weicai also presented a large birthday card written in Chinese language wishing a Happy Birthday for Lin Ping.
The Chinese envoy complimented Thailand in taking good care of the panda family including Lin Ping’s mother Lin Hui and her father Chuang Chuang. All three bears have become goodwill ambassadors for China.
Mr Zhang promised he would inform the Chinese government of the closer diplomatic ties between Thailand and China created by the panda family so that their stays in the kingdom are extended.
Under an agreement with China, a panda cub born in Thailand must be returned to China after two years. Lin Ping’s stay in Chiang Mai was extended once. She was born on May 27, 2009.
The panda family is scheduled to be returned to China next year. A Thai delegation will meet with the Chinese authorities late next month to seek extensions of stay for Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui for 10 years and Lin Ping’s for another three years.