May 20, 2008
BANGKOK - Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej temporarily stops appearing on two cooking shows after complaints that his culinary moonlighting was unlawful.
Food-loving Samak regularly appears on two local cooking shows, whipping up tasty Thai delights in the kitchen or heading to restaurants and local markets to advise viewers on how to choose quality goods.
But on his weekly television address to the nation called "Talking Samak Style", the colourful premier said two unnamed opponents had complained to the Election Commission that he should not be employed by a private company, according to AFP.
"I have discussed with legal experts who said I am not a company employee," Samak said, adding that he would err on the side of caution -- and wait for the commission's go-ahead before resuming his TV cooking career.
"This group is making an effort to remove me from office, so I will suspend my appearance on the programmes and send a letter of explanation to the EC."
Known for his gruff, straight talking style, Samak has recently cancelled his twice-weekly press briefings because he was worried he would utter "rude words" in public.
