There were fears for the safety of Britons living in Thailand today, after the Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej was told by a court in Bangkok that, as he has violated the constitution by appearing on a TV cookery show, he must step down from office.
This has prompted fears of a Civil War.
Until recently, Mr Sunadravej had his own cookery show on Thai TV, Tasting and Grumbling, prior to his appointment as Prime Minister.
Thai Law, though, states that ministers are not allowed to make money from 'outside interests', Mrs Sundaravej's appearance as a guest on a recent show was, therefore, illegal, and he must now leave office.
He must go within 30 minutes, at Gas Mark 6.
Thailand is a country well-known for its exotic cuisine (that's French), and regularly broadcasts fifteen daily cookery shows on its 5 channels. Some critics have said Thais are obsessed with cookery, and with eating.
The country is polarised politically, with those who support ex-Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, and those who oppose him, who are Manchester United fans.
If a Civil War does break out, the Manchester United fans are expected to annihilate the City fans, through sheer weight of numbers. Delia Smith, a Norwich City fan, said:
"This cookery programme has been a recipe for Disaster."
