PM has influenza, not food poisoning ; doctor

Dr Apichart Siwayathorn, director of the hospital said in a press conference that Samak has influenza type A.

Food poisoning is a side effect of the influenza which included fever and coughing, the doctor said.

Doctors recommended Samak to stay at the hospital for a few more days.

Government spokesman Wichienchote Sukchotirat earlier said Samak had food poisoning since Monday morning during his official visit to Laos where he had local food; chilly paste with fermented fish at a market in Vientianne.

The spokesman said Samak has cancelled all his appointments on Tuesday after being admitted to a hospital for having fever and food poisoning.

Samak was given saline solution at Bamrungrat Hospital and would return home to take a rest.

The prime minister was supposed to preside over an alms giving ceremony at Government House to mark the Civil Servants' Day but he assigned PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair to give alms to monks instead.

Samak also cancelled chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting later Tuesday. Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat will chair the meeting instead.