It's the panda show!

The antics of the female cub, which was born eight days ago, will also be broadcast live on screens around Chiang Mai and at various zoos across the country.

"The broadcasts will be via Internet and satellite signal," zoo director Thanapat Pongpamorn confirmed yesterday.

Panda expert Wei Ming from China said the cub was healthy and would start crawling at the age of one month.

Expect cuddling…

The cub's mother Lin Hui has been cuddling her baby  and they are being kept away from public eyes. Even visitors to the zoo have to follow their movements on screens.

The tiny new arrival has made headlines both here and abroad and is expected to boost tourism.

"I reckon tourism revenue in Chiang Mai could rise by Bt2 billion this year thanks to the baby panda," said Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce chairman Narong Kongprasert.

The city is preparing a blessing ceremony for the cub when it reaches one month old.

Jin Yilin, China's acting consulgeneral in Chiang Mai, said her consulate was gearing up for the celebrations, which are likely combine Chinese and Lanna traditions. 

Elsewhere, Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapaarcha said that the Tourism Authority of Thailand was planning to make the young panda a star of its roadshows.