Former PM Samak dies of cancer Tuesday

Samak Sundaravej, the 25th prime minister of Thailand, died of cancer on Tuesday morning.

He was 74.

Samak had been treated for cancer in Bamrungrat Hospital in Bangkok for months. He went into coma on Sunday and died on Tuesday.

He was pronounced dead at the Bamrungrad Hospital at 9:33 am Tuesday.

He would be remembered as one of the most colourful and controversial figures in Thai politics. He was known for his sharp tongue and short temper.

The veteran politician was also a celebrity cook, a newspaper columnist and owner, a Bangkok governor elected with the highest number of votes, a multiple-term MP, and a Cabinet member serving in many ministerial portfolios, including interior, transport and agriculture.