EC to probe Samak's business ties with sponsors of his cooking shows

Sodsri was referring to the television programme "Chim Pai Bon Pai" or "Tasting and Grumbling" that Samak has now suspended following a complaint that he violated the Constitution that bans the prime minister from being an employee of any person or corporation to prevent conflicts of interest.

Sodsri said according to Article 268, a prime minister and all ministers must resign from all corporate positions within 30 days of assuming their government posts.

She said the EC endorsed a subcommittee headed by General Yodchai Thepyasuwan to submit a legal recommendation on the matter within 15 days.

The panel will probe whether Samak had a contract to work for the cooking programme, and if he did not enter into any contract, the EC will call in the company that operates the programme for questioning, Sodsri said.

EC member Sumeth Ubanisakorn said he did not feel under pressure for having to rule on the disqualification of the PM, saying a complaint had been made and the EC had to investigate or it would be accused of dereliction of duty.

He said the panel will wrap up the case within two days.