A joint autopsy conducted by the two countries on a Chinese giant panda that died suddenly at a Thai zoo last month revealed that "old age" was the cause.

On the 24th local time, the Bangkok Post and others reported that the autopsy of the giant panda 'Lin Hui', who died suddenly on the 19th of last month, showed that his blood vessels were weakened due to old age, organ failure, etc., leading to death.

Born in China on September 2001, 9, Lin Hui settled at the Thai Zoo in 28 to promote the development of bilateral relations.

Since then, Lin Hui has adapted to life in Thailand and has stayed in the Thai zoo for a long time, successfully inseminating in 2003 and giving birth to "Lin Ping".

The 2009-year-old was scheduled to return to his native China in October this year, but died suddenly on the 21th of last month.

Pandas living in zoos can live for up to 10 years, and last month, a tourist photographed Lin Hui with a nosebleed, sparking some to wonder if the zoo was not taking proper care of her.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also expressed great concern, saying that "China is deeply saddened by the death of Lin Hui," and experts from both countries have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of Linhui's death.

As a result, experts have confirmed that the Thai zoo has been taking proper care of Linhui for the past 19 years, including installing air conditioners in its enclosures for a comfortable environment.

However, Thailand is reportedly required to compensate China 30 million baht (about 20 million won) for the death of the giant panda Lin Hui.

"Since October 1, 500.5 million tourists have visited the zoo to see giant pandas," the zoo said, adding, "This is a matter for the two governments to discuss, but we are hoping that China will lend them to us again."

(Photo=Yonhap News)