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Thai leader in court over TV show Thai leader in court over TV show
(about 3 hours later)
Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has defended himself in court for appearing on a TV cooking programme.Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has defended himself in court for appearing on a TV cooking programme.
In the latest of a series of problems to beset Mr Samak, he is accused of violating the constitution by working for a private company.In the latest of a series of problems to beset Mr Samak, he is accused of violating the constitution by working for a private company.
Protesters have now spent nearly two weeks occupying Mr Samak's office complex, demanding his resignation.Protesters have now spent nearly two weeks occupying Mr Samak's office complex, demanding his resignation.
Mr Samak will have to quit if found guilty in this case, which might indirectly end the impasse.Mr Samak will have to quit if found guilty in this case, which might indirectly end the impasse.
Possible way forward?Possible way forward?
Before taking office seven months ago, Mr Samak hosted a popular TV cooking show called Tasting, Grumbling.Before taking office seven months ago, Mr Samak hosted a popular TV cooking show called Tasting, Grumbling.
He continued to make a few appearances on the show after becoming prime minister.He continued to make a few appearances on the show after becoming prime minister.
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Thai leader in court over TV show
BANGKOK PROTESTS 26 Aug: Protesters occupy government buildings, demand the government step down28 Aug: PM Samak promises no use of force against the protesters29 Aug: Police try to evict protesters but pull back; crowds blockade two regional airports30 Aug: Samak rules out resignation, following a meeting with Thailand's king 1 Sep: A late-night clash between pro- and anti-government groups leaves one dead. Samak declares a state of emergency3 Sept: Thai FM Tej Bunnag resigns4 Sept: Samak proposes a national referendum Profile: Samak Sundaravej A group of senators filed a petition against Mr Samak, saying that a prime minister is barred by the constitution from working for private companies.BANGKOK PROTESTS 26 Aug: Protesters occupy government buildings, demand the government step down28 Aug: PM Samak promises no use of force against the protesters29 Aug: Police try to evict protesters but pull back; crowds blockade two regional airports30 Aug: Samak rules out resignation, following a meeting with Thailand's king 1 Sep: A late-night clash between pro- and anti-government groups leaves one dead. Samak declares a state of emergency3 Sept: Thai FM Tej Bunnag resigns4 Sept: Samak proposes a national referendum Profile: Samak Sundaravej A group of senators filed a petition against Mr Samak, saying that a prime minister is barred by the constitution from working for private companies.
Mr Samak told the Constitutional Court on Monday that he had been paid for his appearances on the TV show, but was not actually employed by the television company.Mr Samak told the Constitutional Court on Monday that he had been paid for his appearances on the TV show, but was not actually employed by the television company.
The court is due to give its verdict on Tuesday.The court is due to give its verdict on Tuesday.
Local newspapers have speculated about the case being a possible short-term solution to the current political stalemate in Thailand - although some analysts point out that even if Mr Samak stepped down, his party could always vote him back in again.Local newspapers have speculated about the case being a possible short-term solution to the current political stalemate in Thailand - although some analysts point out that even if Mr Samak stepped down, his party could always vote him back in again.
For the past two weeks, protesters have been camping outside Government House, refusing to leave until Mr Samak quits, but despite pressure from several military leaders the prime minister has refused to go.For the past two weeks, protesters have been camping outside Government House, refusing to leave until Mr Samak quits, but despite pressure from several military leaders the prime minister has refused to go.
Late last week, Mr Samak proposed to hold a referendum on his rule, but the opposition has rejected the offer.Late last week, Mr Samak proposed to hold a referendum on his rule, but the opposition has rejected the offer.
The demonstrators, from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), say Mr Samak is merely a proxy for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in an army coup in 2006.The demonstrators, from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), say Mr Samak is merely a proxy for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in an army coup in 2006.
One man was killed in clashes between pro- and anti-government groups in Bangkok last week, prompting the government to impose emergency rule in the capital.One man was killed in clashes between pro- and anti-government groups in Bangkok last week, prompting the government to impose emergency rule in the capital.