Let law takes its course, says PM

"For the investigation, everything must go in accordance with the law. I had announced clearly that I accepted to become head of the government and I will uphold principles and justice," he said.

He was speaking after appointed Senator Ruengkrai Leekitwattana filed a complaint with the Election Commission to check if Somchai had violated the charter and should be disqualified and removed from his post.

Ruengkrai's earlier complaint against former prime minister Samak Sundaravej, of violating the Constitution by continuing to host his cooking programme despite being head of government, had resulted in Samak losing his premiership early this month.

Ruengkrai said he suspected Somchai may have disqualified himself since January 22 this year by allegedly holding shares in CS Loxinfo, which operates a state concession or is a contract partner of a state enterprise. That would be a violation of Article 265 (2), resulting in him being disqualified as an MP as per Article 106 (6), and disqualified as PM as per Article 171.

Ruengkrai also suggested that the EC check whether an 8-rai house worth over Bt200 million was included in the assets declaration that Somchai filed with the National Counter Corruption Commission. "The house where Somchai was when he received the Royal command was not declared as part of his assets. He might have transferred it to another person's name. Could it be a case of asset concealment?" he posed.

Ruengkrai denied that his crusade to check politicians in the government were intended as political harassment. "I carry out my duty without bias towards any politician," he said.

He said he withdrew his complaint for investigation against former deputy prime minister Surapong Suebwonglee because he was no longer in office.

He said he was ready to be probed over allegation of abuse of authority for illegally checking the assets of others. "I demand the probe be open to the public and the media. I have been waiting for them to come and check me for long," he said.

Election Commission (EC) member Sodsri Sattayatham said the EC would today decide whether to appoint a panel to probe the allegation that Somchai had violated the Constitution.

She said she would prefer that the EC appoint a special panel instead of using the existing panel, that had been appointed following a complaint by Supachai Chaisamut to check the qualifications of MPs and Senators.

"This panel has to probe hundreds of MPs and senators already," she said.