Thailand's former prime minister Samak Sundaravej has quit as leader of the ruling party, three weeks after he was removed from office for hosting TV cooking shows.

The People Power Party says Mr Samak tendered his resignation in a letter on Friday because he no longer has a cabinet post or active role in government.

His resignation marks an end to a brief spell at the top of Thai politics for the outspoken conservative.

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network