CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- Thai officials are making preparations to welcome two giant pandas that China has promised to send later this year to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two governments.
Elephants with a handler at the Patara Elephant Farm near Chiang Mai: Thais in recent years have become much more protective of their nation's elephants, ever prominent characters in local folklore, religion and culture, as the animals' numbers have declined due to deforestation. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)
Big in Asia
Thais rally around elephants as officials prepare for pandas
More funding sought for improving welfare of national symbol in wild and in captivity
Read Next
Latest on Big in Asia
