Thai Airways International assists in Delivery of Pandas

The Zoological Park Organization and Thai Airways International are to fly a group of 50 officials and media representatives to China in order to receive delivery of two pandas.

THAI’s President, Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, together with Mr. Montree Navikapol, Chairman of the Zoological Park Organization, and Gen. Lertrat Ratanavanich, Vice Chairman, The Zoological Park Organization and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Marketing and Benefits, the Panda Research and Exhibition Project in Thailand, recently presided over a press conference held at THAI’s Head Office, to announce preparations to receive the two pandas.

Mr. Navikapol said that the two pandas, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, are considered Friendship Ambassadors between China and Thailand. The panda project is one of many events marking the 6th cycle birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on 12 August 2004. The welcoming committee will be flying to China, courtesy of THAI, on 10 October 2003, and will be arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport on 12 October 2003.

According to Gen. Ratanavanich, the welcoming ceremony for the pandas is being organised with the support of the Television of Thailand Channel 11 of the Public Relations Department, which will provide live broadcast nationwide. A procession will be waiting to take the pandas from the airport to Chiang Mai Zoo where a special enclosure, complete with bamboo shoots and dedicated personnel, has been prepared for the pandas' 10-year stay in Thailand. A number of private organizations have contributed donations to the project fund, and further funds will be raised through the sale of panda souvenir items at the five zoos belonging to the Organization, on the Zoological Park's website, at major department stores and airports throughout the country.

In addition to providing transport for the welcome committee, THAI will also be carrying a supply of bamboo shoots from China through the entire duration of the project.

Mr. Abhiradee said that the panda project will help boost tourism, especially to the northern city of Chiang Mai, which the government has planned to upgrade as a regional aviation hub in the near future. The panda project will successfully enhance Chiang Mai's profile among both local and international tourists.

THAI's support for the project includes the transport of the two pandas from Chengdu, China, which is on THAI's routenet, to Chiang Mai. The pandas will leave Chengdu on 12 October 2003 on flight TG 619 and arrive in Chiang Mai at 17:25hrs. To accommodate the pandas, THAI has adjusted the temperature in the holding area approximately 15-20 degrees Celsius, and installed two passenger seats for the Chinese veterinarian and the cargo staff to provide close attention and care to the pandas for the flight's duration.

THAI is also providing air tickets for related personnel worth 1 million baht per year for the duration of the project. Until the bamboo saplings are fully grown, THAI will also be transporting 1,600 kgs. of bamboo per month for their food. A special tour programme will also be introduced as part of Euerng Luang Tours and Royal Orchid Holidays to encourage people to visit Chiang Mai and see the pandas.