A Thai court said today the prime minister Samak Sundaravej must step down because he violated the constitution by hosting TV cooking shows while in office - yet another twist in a deepening national political crisis.
Today’s ruling also means Mr Samak’s cabinet must resign.
The ruling comes amid a deepening political crisis for Thailand. Judge Chat Chonlaworn told the court that Mr Samak had “violated Article 267 of the constitution” and that “his position as prime minister has ended”.
Thailand’s constitution bars government ministers from private employment while in office.
Anti-government protesters have occupied the grounds of Mr Samak’s office since August 26th, demanding his resignation.
Protesters had pledged to end their sit-in at Thailand’s Government House if Mr Samak stepped down, but it was unclear if the court’s ruling would satisfy them.
Mr Samak, a self-proclaimed foodie, hosted a popular television cooking show - “Tasting and Complaining” - for seven years before becoming prime minister.
But he also made several appearances after taking office, allegedly breaking a constitutional prohibition on private employment while in office.
In testimony to the court yesterday, Mr Samak defended himself by saying he was not an employee of the company that made the show.
“I was hired to appear on the programme and got paid from time to time. I was not an employee of the company so I did not violate the law,” said Mr Samak. He said the television company paid only for his transportation and the ingredients used for cooking.
Sakchai Khaewwaneesakul, the managing director of the company that produced the show, said he paid the prime minister $560 per show for incidental expenses.
AP