Thailand’s beleaguered prime minister defended himself today against accusations that he broke the law by hosting a television cooking show while in office, an offence that could force him to resign.

Retired army commander General Sorayud Chulanont was expected to be named interim prime minister today following the announcement of a temporary constitution which reserved considerable powers for Thailand’s military coup makers.

Thailand’s top graft buster said today the country’s military rulers may freeze the assets of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and members of his Cabinet if evidence is found that they tried to transfer their wealth abroad.

Thailand’s military council, which seized power last week, is setting up a special panel to probe corruption in the former government, it announced today.