BANGKOK (AFP) - THAILAND'S government accused Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday of violating the revered monarchy after the fugitive former premier reportedly urged the reform of institutions close to the palace.

Mr Thaksin, who was toppled in a 2006 coup, was quoted by British daily The Times as saying that King Bhumibol Adulyadej was above politics but 'circles' around the monarchy were interfering with the running of the country.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya hit out at Mr Thaksin's comments, which came amid tensions over the ex-prime minister's impending visit to neighbouring Cambodia as the new economic adviser to the government in Phnom Penh.

'I would like to say that Thaksin's interview violates the monarchy, which is the country's main institution. I wonder what the hidden agenda was that caused him to make this inappropriate move,' Mr Kasit told reporters. 'In his interview, there are several parts referring to his majesty the king, the crown prince and the monarchy and also refer to his majesty's role in politics,' Kasit told reporters.

Thaksin said the article had misrepresented his words and had a misleading headline.

'The untrue report caused a misunderstanding among readers and Thais,' he said in a statement issued by his supporters in Thailand. 'I never gave any interview referring to the monarchy but on the other hand during the interview, I protested that the monarchy is beyond politics and praised the monarchy,' he said.

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