Thailand's National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) ruled yesterday that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is guilty of dereliction of duty when he was permanent secretary of the Justice Ministry.

Somchai was accused of neglecting his duty in not taking action against corruption, which is a serious disciplinary office for civil servants.

The NCCC will forward the case to the Justice Ministry to consider punishment against Somchai.

In 2000, senior judge Chamnan Rawiwanpong petitioned the NCCC, asking the agency to look into alleged corruption in connection with the sale of land in Pathum Thani province by the Legal Execution Department.

If the NCCC rules that the accusation against him has grounds, Somchai would be unqualified to be prime minister, said Chamman, now vice-president of the Region 7 Appeals Court.