hopes of ending a political crisis buffeting the country. Leaders of the People Power Party had said since Tuesday that they would seek to restore Samak, but they need to convince five other parties in the coalition to go along with that choice. Some lawmakers have indicated they will propose an alternate candidate. Death At age 73, Samak admitted he had liver cancer and underwent laser surgery to remove a tumour and was treated at Bumrungrad International Hospital on 2 October 2008. He was discharged on 25 October. On the morning of 24 November 2009, it was reported that at 8:48 am Samak had died at Bumrungrad International Hospital of liver cancer at the age of 74. Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thai Prime Minister, said "My family and I express profound sorrow for the passing away of HE (His Excellency) Samak but I will not be able to attend his funeral." Samak's funeral was held at Wat Benchamabophit and his cremation was held at Wat Debsirin. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the ceremonies, representing the King and Queen. His ashes were scattered in Sattahip Bay in a final ceremony. Honours Royal decorations Samak has received the following royal decorations in the Honours System of Thailand: Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao Border Service Medal Second Class of the Boy Scout Commendation Medal King Bhumibol Adulyadej Royal Cypher Medal Foreign Honours : Grand Collar of the Order of Sikatuna(GCS) : Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun : Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau Samak cabinet This Cabinet was active from 29 January 2008 to 9 September 2008 See also Samak Interview on Al Jazeera Cabinet of Thailand References External links Crabby Thai Judiciary Fires Food Critic PM Sundaravej tyrantis Scientific-like paper State of Emergency Lifted Samak Sundaravej – Daily Telegraph obituary Three-course recipe for the court's cookery : a critique on Thai democracy and judicial review – Verapat Pariyawong 1935 births 2009 deaths Deaths from cancer in Thailand Deaths from liver cancer Samak Sundaravej Samak Sundaravej Samak Sundaravej Samak Sundaravej Samak Sundaravej Samak Sundaravej Samak