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BANGKOK, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Consulate General of China in Thailand's Chiang Mai confirmed on Monday that the 19-year-old male giant panda living in Chiang Mai Zoo died this afternoon.

The consulate general said in a statement posted late Monday that Chiang Mai Zoo has informed them and also the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda about the death of Chuang Chuang.

The consulate general said they mourn for the passing of a beloved creature and the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda would send experts to Chiang Mai Zoo to work with Thai counterparts to find out the cause of Chuang Chuang's death.

The results of the investigation would be released to the public, the consulate general said.

Chuang Chuang and a female giant panda Lin Hui left their hometown, southwest China's Sichuan Province for Chiang Mai in 2003 and they had been living in the zoo since.

Both giant pandas enjoy great popularity in Thailand and many Thais mourn for Chuang Chuang's passing on social media after they heard the news on Monday with posts such as "Rest in peace, Chuang Chuang, you will be missed," "Thank you for bringing all those happiness to Thailand, Chuang Chuang."