2023’s top stories: Why Thailand’s long affair with giant pandas may be over

30 Sept 22:18 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's two-decade-long giant panda program concluded with the death of Lin Hui, its last panda, in April 2023, signaling the end of an era.
Significant financial costs, including over 260 million baht paid to China and extensive local expenses, have fueled strong public and political opposition to hosting more pandas.
Despite initial plans for importing new pandas through a research project, no progress has been reported on a new loan deal with China, suggesting the kingdom's long affair with the beloved bears may be over.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Yesterday 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.