Does Thailand need new giant pandas?This issue has sparked heated discussions in Thai society. On the one hand, some people believe that the giant panda is a symbol of Sino-Thai friendship, which can attract tourists, increase income, and give children the opportunity to get up close and personal with this rare animal;On the other hand, some people believe that the rental fee of giant pandas is too high, that the environment and conditions in Thailand are not suitable for pandas, and that funds should be used to protect Thailand's national treasure, elephants, rather than engaging in "animal diplomacy".
Recently, Ms. Ganchana, chairman of the National Development Party of Thailand, published an article on social media against Thailand's new giant pandas on China. She believes that Thailand** has to pay China 10 million baht (about 2 million yuan) a year for a lease, which is a bad deal, because Thailand's limited space, conditions and environment cannot meet the demand for giant pandas, and the fertility rate of giant pandas is very low, making it difficult to reproduce. She suggested that the money should be used to protect Thailand's elephants, so that it can truly reflect the culture and identity of Thailand.
Ms. Ganchana's article resonated with many Thai netizens, who said that Thailand should pay more attention to its elephants, rather than renting giant pandas to please China, which is an act of disrespect for itself and an irresponsibility to animals. They believe that the pandas should stay in China, where they are home, and that Thailand should allow foreign tourists to see Thai elephants, not Chinese pandas.
However, not everyone is against the loan of the pandas. Wu Dicha, director of the Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand, said that whether the zoo will get new giant pandas depends on the discussion. If China agrees, he said, experts will come to inspect the zoo's grounds and facilities to ensure a good living environment for the giant pandas. He also said that the zoo already has two giant pandas, Lin Ping and Chu Chu, who came to Thailand from China in 2003 and have lived in Thailand for 20 years, and are loved and cared for by tourists and staff.
Phan Lok, head of the Chiang Mai office of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), also said that having giant pandas in Thailand or Chiang Mai is a good thing for tourism and the economy. He said that the giant panda is a very cute animal that is able to attract people of all ages and genders, especially tourists from neighboring countries, who can see the giant panda in Thailand without having to go to China, which saves money and time. He also said that the giant panda is a symbol of China-Thailand friendship, which can enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries, and also give Thai children the opportunity to see this rare animal with their own eyes and gain inspiration and knowledge from it.
Regarding the controversy over the lease of the new giant pandas, Pan Luo believes that it can be viewed from three aspects. First of all, the giant panda is a national treasure of China, and the Chinese authorities sent the giant panda to Thailand for care, showing trust and friendship with Thailand, which is an honor and respect;Secondly, the giant panda is an endangered species, and it is a responsibility and obligation for Thailand to be able to contribute to their conservation and reproduction;Finally, the giant panda is a tourist resource, and it is an opportunity and benefit for Thailand to attract tourists and increase income.
To sum up, whether Thailand needs new giant pandas is a question that has no standard answer and needs to be considered from multiple angles and levels. In any case, we should respect the lives and rights of animals, not as political or economic tools, but as our friends and partners, and give them the best care and protection.