BANGKOK, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Monday morning testified to the Constitution Court to defend himself regarding his hosting of a television cooking program, for which he is accused of violating the Constitution.

    Samak had hosted television cooking shows on a commercial television station in the past and continued after taking office in February this year.

    The premier's love affair with eating, cooking and the culinary arts landed him in trouble after a group of senators and the Election Commission (EC) petitioned the Constitution Court to rule as to whether his actions disqualify him from office by violating the national charter.

    Article 267 of the Constitution stipulates that the prime minister is prohibited from holding any position in a partnership, a company or an organization carrying out business with a view to sharing profit or income, or being an employee of any person.

    However, Samak told the court that he appeared in the programs only as an honorary guest, without seeking any compensation, the state run Thai News Agency reported.

    The premier's appearance in the Bangkok court came amid a number of mounting pressures for the prime minister to resign as anti-government protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have occupied Thailand's Government House since Aug. 26.