Samak is disqualified

Thailand's Constitution Court announced a few minutes ago that Samak's term as Prime Minister must end, effective immediately. The Court ruled that he violated the constitution by hosting cookery shows on TV earlier this year. The constitution forbids a serving Prime Minister from receiving private income; it also stipulates that the entire cabinet must resign following the PM's disqualification.

Samak had been under pressure to resign for over a week, following the PAD's occupation of Government House. However, he had repeatedly refused to step down, arguing (quite reasonably) that an elected PM should not give in to mob rule. Voting to appoint Samak's replacement will take place on Friday.