Samak guilty, must resign

The Constitution Court ruled in a unanimous verdict on Tuesday that the two TV cooking shows of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej violated the charter ban on outside employment and ordered him to leave office immediately.

The 9-0 vote of the judges removes Mr Samak from office effective immediately, but leaves the way open for his return if he can persuade parliament to return him to the office. For now:

"His premiership is over, and the term of the cabinet has also expired, although according to the constitution they must remain as an acting government until there is a new prime minister and cabinet," said Constitution Court Judge Chat Chawakorn.

Under the charter, members of the cabinet except Mr Samak will continue to perform their duties as caretaker ministers until a new cabinet is appointed.

The first deputy prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, will be caretaker prime minister.

Supporters of anti-government group People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), who have seized the Government House, screamed with happiness after hearing the verdict.

Deputy leader of People Power party (PPP) Karn Thiankaew said after the verdict that PPP respects the ruling.

Earlier Tuesday, PPP spokesman Kudep Saikrachang said party members will vote Mr Samak back in as leader of the government.

"Executive members of the PPP will propose that leaders of coalition partners support Mr Samak to remain as prime minister, although some have proposed that Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa assume the post," said PPP MP Witthaya. Buranasiri, a government whip.

Shortly before the ruling was handed down, Mr Banharn told reporters that he would not accept the premiership if it were offered, because he could not stand high political pressure.

"It's better that I stay on like this. I want to live a long life," he said.

Mr Samak was not in court to hear the verdict that ends his premiership after just over eight months. He returned on Tuesday afternoon from a mobile cabinet meeting in Tuesday and went into seclusion. He was represented by his lawyer.