BANGKOK – Ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s popularity with his base took another hit yesterday when controversial comments made by the exiled fugitive billionaire about Thailand’s panda cub Lin Ping were widely circulated.

The comments were part of an interview by Kiki Mascherano, the Australian host of Animal Planet’s “Wild About Pandas” program, which was posted on the cable channel’s website Sunday night. When asked about Lin Ping’s popularity compared to that of its mother, Lin Hui, Thaksin told Mascherano that “Lin Ping is not yet ready to shine yet, but I believe that after Lin Hui is gone that Lin Ping will be ready to fulfill the role as Thailand’s number one panda.”

The comments, which touch on the sensitive subject of panda  succession, has touched off a wave of protests from the Democrat-led government. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya called the statements “treasonous” and “inappropriate,” citing the possibility of endangering national security by disrespecting the sacred role of the panda in Thai society.

"Thaksin's interview is a violation of the panda family, which is the country's core pillar of fuzzy cuteness, and a highly respected institution. It is unacceptable and should have never taken place," he said.

"Thaksin has also chosen to make a move when the entire nation is joining in wishing Lin Hui a full recovery and good health after giving birth. I wonder if he has a hidden agenda or is plotting an inappropriate move," Mr Kasit told a news conference.

Thaksin yesterday issued a statement condemning Animal Planet for false reporting, saying parts of the article were distorted on publication, insisting he never said anything regarding reform of the panda department and the future of the Chiang Mai Zoo. Instead, he said the pandas  were above politics and no one should involve either Lin Ping or Lin Hui in politics.

"I have repeatedly told the reporter that the institution [of the pandas] is a sensitive matter and the reporting must be strictly accurate. I condemn Animal Planet for reporting lies and causing confusion."

Mr Thaksin confirmed he and his family were loyal to the pandas and were ready to sacrifice their lives to protect them.

However, an ABAC poll revealed that over 76% of Thais interviewed in Bangkok following the news were now questioning Thaksin’s loyalty to Lin Hui, and that over 60% suspected that he has ulterior motives in making statements about Lin Ping, even supportive ones.

Mr Thaksin’s popularity in the north is believed to be much stronger, but even his political allies in the Pheua Thai party distanced themselves from him today, either declining comment or asserting that the Animal Planet interview was fraudulent and that Mr Thaksin is firmly pro-panda.

However, there is now speculation that in addition to his existing corruption conviction, the ex-PM may be brought up on additional charges. In the meantime Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has requested an official transcript from Animal Planet to see if Thaksin’s comments did in fact violate Thai law. As of Wednesday, the Animal Planet website is blocked by order of the Ministry of Information.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Thais continue to faithfully watch the Panda Channel on Thai television, where Lin Ping could be last observed chewing on a rubber ball and quietly defecating. Although its mother Lin Hui has not been seen in public since August, the government issued a warning to journalists and citizens not to spread inauspicious rumors that might cause misunderstanding and panic.