Thailand’s prime minister was forced to resign along with his Cabinet yesterday after the Constitutional Court ruled that he had broken a conflict-of-interest law by hosting TV cooking shows while in office.
“The defendant has violated Article 267 of the Constitution, and his position as prime minister has ended,” Chat Chonlaworn, the head of the nine-judge panel, told the court.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej’s supporters immediately vowed to bring him back to power, indicating that Thailand remains gripped in a deep political crisis that has virtually paralyzed the government, spooked the financial markets and scared away tourists.
Chat said that the Cabinet would remain in a caretaker position until a new administration is installed.
The judgment, broadcast live on television and radio, was greeted with loud cheers and claps from Samak’s opponents who have occupied his office compound since Aug. 26 to demand his resignation.
Samak, a self-proclaimed foodie, hosted a popular television cooking show — Tasting and Complaining — for seven years before becoming prime minister earlier this year. He made several appearances after taking office, breaking a constitutional prohibition on private employment while in office.
Before the court began its session, Samak said he would honor the verdict.
He was not immediately available for comment.
In his defense, Samak had claimed he was not an employee of the company that made the show and only received payment for his transportation and the ingredients used for cooking.
Kuthep Saikrajang, the spokesman of Samak’s party, said its members unanimously agreed to renominate Samak in Parliament as their candidate for the prime minister’s post. But the final decision depends on Samak as well on other parties in the ruling coalition, he said.
There was also no sign that the alliance supporters and protesters would now vacate the Government House compound.
“Samak was ousted by the court, but there is no guarantee he will not return in the next few days. So our protest will continue for the time being,” alliance spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said.
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