New Thai premier faces investigation

Bangkok: Thailand's Election Commission opened an investigation on Sunday into whether new Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat should resign for violating the constitution, less than a month after a similar process ousted his predecessor.

"I have no worries at all," Somchai told reporters, adding that he had done nothing wrong and would defend himself in court if asked to.

The comments came shortly after the Election Commission said it would investigate whether Somchai had violated the constitution by holding shares in Thailand's CS LoxInfo PCL, an internet service provider that is a contract partner of CAT Telecom, a state-owned telecommunications service provider.

The constitution bars members of Parliament from holding shares in companies that do business with state enterprises.

Not allowed

If found guilty, Somchai would be disqualified as a member of Parliament and therefore no longer be allowed to serve as prime minister. Election Commission spokesman Ruangrote Jomsueb said a subcommittee would be appointed to investigate the matter and if it feels the case should be pursued will forward its findings to the Constitutional Court. He said subcommittee probe's generally take about 30 days.