The Thai constitutional court has ruled that Samak Sundaravej violated the constitution by accepting payment while in office.

Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) - He survived the demonstrations of the People's Alliance for Democracy, which has been occupying public offices for weeks, but he has found himself "ousted" because of his passion for cooking. This is the unusual fate of Thailand's prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, after the constitutional court today decided to remove him from office, together with his government.

The nine judges of the court ruled "unanimously", in fact, that the prime minister violated the constitution, specifically article 167, by appearing on cooking shows produced by a private television station, Face Media. Sundaravej, well known as a gourmet, was the main attraction of the culinary program.

The judges accepted an appeal presented by a senator for the opposition, Ruengkrai Leekitwattana, who charged the prime minister with working for a private company while still in office, which is banned by the constitution.

And "since Samak no longer holds office", the verdict clarifies, "his entire government must leave". The verdict specifies that the government may remain in office for 30 days in order to manage current business, and until the election of a new government on the part of parliament. As for the now former prime minister, he is allowed to run for office again.

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