Court bans Chaiya from office

The disqualification, which took immediate effect, means there are now two vacant seats in the Samak Cabinet. Earlier, Jakrapob Penkair, the PM's Office Minister, was also forced to stand down following alle-gations of lese majeste.

Also yesterday, the Supreme Court issued an arrest warrant for former interior minister Vatana Asavahame for failing to appear to hear its ruling on a graft case linked to the Klong Dan wastewater plant scandal.

Vatana is chairman of the Puea Pandin Party, a mem-ber of the coalition government.

On the Chaiya case, the court found that he had lost his status as a minister after failing to inform the National Counter Corruption Commission that his wife held more than 5 per cent of stock in a private company, within 30 days of his taking office. The case was launched by 36 senators, who gath-ered signatures to petition the court, via the Senate Speaker, to rule on the matter.

Article 92 of the Constitution covers the conduct of a minister and possible disqualification for viola-tions.

However, Government Pharmaceutical Organisation chairman Dr Wichai Chokewiwat said the government and Public Health Ministry should investigate "violations" committed by the former minister during his time heading the health portfolio, since March 6.

Chaiya said he accepted the Constitution Court's judgement but would continue his political work because the court had not barred him from politics.

"My future political work will be decided by the party," he said.

Senator Prasarn Maruekha-pitak said the court's ruling demonstrated its role of building trust in the justice system and setting standards for Thai politics.