Trial of the premier’s case concerning the hosting of two TV shows has ended. The Constitution Tribunal will announce the verdict tomorrow (September, 9th) at 14.00 hrs.

The nine Constitution tribunal judges took the bench to review the allegation filed against Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej by the Senate and the Election Commission (EC). The two parties request the tribunal to terminate the prime minister and defense minister status of Mr Samak who hosted two TV shows, “Chim Pai Bon Pai” (ชิมไปบ่นไป) and “Yok Khayong Hok Mongchao” (ยกโขยงหกโมงเช้า).

The premier appeared before the judges and affirmed that he had received a payment each time he hosted the shows and denied getting paid monthly salaries. Mr Samak said he had consulted his hosting jobs with a legal team of Face Media Co.,Ltd. which produces the programs and it had confirmed that he could host the shows without violating the Constitution.

The premier informed the judges that he quit the jobs immediately after he had been criticized and said he does not know sponsors of the shows personally and has no power in the management of the company.

Meanwhile, Face Media President Sakchai Kaewwanneesakul (ศักดิ์ชัย แก้ววรรณีสกุล) testified in the same direction with the premier. The trial ended at around 11.30 hrs today and 15 minutes later Constitution Tribunal Chairman Chat Chonlawon (ชัช ชลวร) announced that the tribunal will announce the case’s verdict tomorrow.

Source : National News Bureau, Public Relations Department of Thailand