Apirak Steps Down As Bangkok Governor

[george]

Bangkok city governor suspends his duties

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin announced Thursday he will suspend his duty after an anti-graft panel linked him to fire trucks scandals.

Assets Examination Committee member Klanarong Chantik said on Wednesday that his committee is seeking charges against six people including Apirak and former commerce minister Wattana Muangsuk.

Apirak told reporters that he will suspend his duty, starting today, pending the investigation of the AEC on the scandals.

-- The Nation 2008-03-13

[thedude]

i think the governator did a good job. no one is immune to corruption allegations while in office.

while he failed to solve traffic problems in bkk, he did at least plant lots of trees to give us something to look at while our cars are stuck in gridlock, and where we would previously be tripping over ourselves on those uneven pavements, now with even more street vendors and new government installed plants, we needn't even consider perambulating the dangerous sidewalks of bangkok, hence his contribution to pedestrian safety cannot go unsung.

just goes to show what a difference a Harvard-educated, ex-pepsico executive can make to this great city of ours if just given a chance.

hurry back Apirak, you will be missed.

Edited March 13, 2008 by thedude

[samtam]

If only there was a scintilla of Apirak's moral fibre in most of the other politicians in Thailand, there would a chance for superb growth in every sphere. I trust he will return soon, after he is cleared of these charges.

[george]

Bangkok governor steps aside from work during corruption probe

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin has suspended his role amid a corruption probe regarding a controversial fire truck and boat procurement.

The charge was pressed against him, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, and four other persons by the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

Mr. Apirak said he will submit a letter to the AEC for more details about the charge on Thursday, he said adding that he was ready to clarify himself as he had worked with prudence and transparency since he took the post in September 2004.

Speaking about the controversial fire truck and boat procurement, he said he had referred the case to the Interior Ministry in its role as endorser of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and set up a committee to consider whether or not to honour the contract.

The suspension will allow him to acknowledge the charges and ensure to the public that there will be no intervention in the scrutinising processes.

"It's (both) my personal standpoint and (that of) the Democrat Party. I talked to Abhisit (opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva). That's the sign of an ethically guided politician, one who is ready to step back from his role until the final verdict is reached without waiting for any request from the public," he said.

Mr. Abhisit said that the Democrat Party has followed up this matter and he confirmed that Mr. Apirak is concerned about the benefit to the public.

Mr. Apirak had raised questions regarding the firetruck and boat procurement contracts.

He talked to many officials and had received confirmation from all agencies that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) needed to proceed with the contract, or otherwise the BMA would be sued.

The case involves the purchase of 315 firefighting trucks and 30 boats at what is alleged to have been an inflated price of Bt6.7 billion. Mr. Samak was governor at the time of the purchase and Mr. Apirak later signed a letter of credit.

--TNA 2008-03-13

[Scott]

Best of luck to him. He seemed like a good guy.

[sriracha john]

Does this mean the Prime Minister, who is involved in the exact same criminal investigation, will also step down from his position in the way that the House Speaker, who's involved in a different case, also stepped down from his position?

Edited March 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[Jefferson]

No.

[mrtoad]

Does this mean the Prime Minister, who is involved in the exact same criminal investigation, will also step down from his position in the way that the House Speaker, who's involved in a different case, also stepped down from his position?

I've just seen a giant flying pig go over the Elephant building.

[sriracha john]

Does this mean the Prime Minister, who is involved in the exact same criminal investigation, will also step down from his position in the way that the House Speaker, who's involved in a different case, also stepped down from his position?

No.

Hmmm.....ok then...... but how about the Deputy Prime Minister / Finance Minister, the Labor Minister, and the Deputy Transport Minister, who are all also facing an AEC criminal investigation? Will they step down from their positions???

Edited March 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't also inquire about the PM's Office Minister and the Deputy Government Spokesman... will they also step down from their positions???

Granted it's only a Criminal Court case involving violent rioting charges and not an AEC corruption case.

[jumnien]

Gen. Sonthi, who you wholeheartedly supported, didn't step down after illegally overthrowing the Thai government using Army forces who previously killed many student protesters. What's all the hub bub about Samak concern you so much. Surely if you can find Sonthi attractive, you can at least nuzzle up to Samak for a short while.

[A_Traveller]

^ A key issue here is that Samak was a highly active participant in the events which led to October 6. He went to Singapore to discuss* the return of Thanom, he was also a deputy Interior Minister and was part of the preceding drive to arrest alleged 'leftists'. He held that position at the time of the events, and subsequently was handed the Interior portfolio.

At the same time a Buddhist teacher, well respected given his connexions and position was advising that the killing of a communist was an act which, given that it would protect the nation, would not be a loss of merit.

The febrile atmosphere helped no one, but there is a difference in position here.

Regards

*This is why the photograph was so revelatory, though it was quickly ignored, and further some say that he went there to provide reassurance of support for Thanom's return.

[Chang_paarp]

Does this mean the Prime Minister, who is involved in the exact same criminal investigation, will also step down from his position in the way that the House Speaker, who's involved in a different case, also stepped down from his position?

:D I don't know if the the Thais understand the phrase "When hel_l freezes over.)

[A_Traveller]

^ Interestingly someone said to me watching the TV coverage that he was 'showing up' the government, so I think they get the message, but I'd agree that it'll be a very cool day in hades before it happens.

Regards

[quiksilva]

Just when you think you've seen all that Thai politics has to offer, here comes one who volunteers to step down from his position whilst under investigation for corruption allegations, what a refreshing and very welcome change!

I for one wish him well!

[Chang_paarp]

Does this mean the Prime Minister, who is involved in the exact same criminal investigation, will also step down from his position in the way that the House Speaker, who's involved in a different case, also stepped down from his position?

:D I don't know if the the Thais understand the phrase "When hel_l freezes over."

[sriracha john]

Does this mean the Prime Minister, who is involved in the exact same criminal investigation, will also step down from his position in the way that the House Speaker, who's involved in a different case, also stepped down from his position?

No.

Hmmm.....ok then...... but how about the Deputy Prime Minister / Finance Minister, the Labor Minister, and the Deputy Transport Minister, who are all also facing an AEC criminal investigation? Will they step down from their positions???

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't also inquire about the PM's Office Minister and the Deputy Government Spokesman... will they also step down from their positions???

Granted it's only a Criminal Court case involving violent rioting charges and not an AEC corruption case.

coincidentally, the "other" PM's Office Minister speaks out....

PM’s Office Minister comments on Bangkok Governor’s suspension

Minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, Chusak Sirinil, says the Bangkok Governor’s job suspension does not set an example for three ministers alleged of involving in the authorization of the two- and three-digit lottery case.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin was indicted by the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) in the fire truck procurement case.

Mr Chusak says the two cases are different, adding that the Bangkok Governor still has duty related to the procurement of the fire trucks while the three ministers no longer work on the distribution of the lotteries.

- ThaiNews

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ok then, how about the Prime Minister standing down then? He's involved in the exact same case as the standing-down Aprirak.

What excuse in your bag of excuses do you have on that one, Choosysack?

And how about an excuse on your fellow PM's Office Minister, Jakrapob, while you're at it???

[steveromagnino]

i think the governator did a good job. no one is immune to corruption allegations while in office.

while he failed to solve traffic problems in bkk, he did at least plant lots of trees to give us something to look at while our cars are stuck in gridlock, and where we would previously be tripping over ourselves on those uneven pavements, now with even more street vendors and new government installed plants, we needn't even consider perambulating the dangerous sidewalks of bangkok, hence his contribution to pedestrian safety cannot go unsung.

just goes to show what a difference a Harvard-educated, ex-pepsico executive can make to this great city of ours if just given a chance.

hurry back Apirak, you will be missed.

So you don't like the BRT going to Rama 3 (launching mid July), you don't like the BTS extensions (blocked by TRT but finally able to be completed by the BMA once TRT were out), you don't like the Monday street clean up concept (no stalls), you don't like the improved flood prevention and planning, you don't like the improved marketing of Bangkok which has started to increase Bangkok's profile for tourism, you don't like the improved city planning that is encouraging more green spaces and preventing illegal building, you don't like the elimination of polystyrene for loi kratong?

He's not be great for sure, but compared to his predeccessor, at least he has done something other than a cooking show, some harebrained underground parking schemes and a variety of corrupt business deals.

[grantbkk]

Mr. Apirak is the face and the leader of the democratic party. Now what? He actually did very little while in office but the perception was "he is a good guy". Without him the only opposition to the PPP is the military. The democratic party has been set adrift.

Why haven't the firetrucks and Fire-boats been deployed? Years of sitting in the tropical sun cannot be good for the components.

[BigSnake]

Sorry to see his go, however I wish the PM would follow his lead and step down,

[kmart]

I wonder if he has "fallen on in sword" as the scapegoat for the firetrucks scandal? He seemed a good guy, so expect him to finish last.

[Old Man River]

Mr. Apirak is the face and the leader of the democratic party. Now what? He actually did very little while in office but the perception was "he is a good guy". Without him the only opposition to the PPP is the military. The democratic party has been set adrift.

Why haven't the firetrucks and Fire-boats been deployed? Years of sitting in the tropical sun cannot be good for the components.

I think you are confusing Apirak with Abhisit. Both are good guys, both are Democrats, but one is the former Governor of Bangkok and the other is the present Democratic Party leader.

[steveromagnino]

Mr. Apirak is the face and the leader of the democratic party. Now what? He actually did very little while in office but the perception was "he is a good guy". Without him the only opposition to the PPP is the military. The democratic party has been set adrift.

Why haven't the firetrucks and Fire-boats been deployed? Years of sitting in the tropical sun cannot be good for the components.

given that he has done something while in office (listed above) unlike his predeccesor and current PM who I think even the most ardent supporter would agree did nothing other than a cooking show and arranging a few dodgy deals, you cannot really complain.

BMA only really looks after rubbish collection, noodle sellers and floods. Everything is dependent on the central govt. Ever wondered why the BTS extensions never went anywhere until 2006 - TRT were so busy trying to nationalise it to get hold of all the commercial contracts relating to its operation. BMA maintained control over it and arranged the financing for the extensions.

That alone is a huge step forward. Add the bus rapid transit for rama 3 area, and you have probably Bangkok's best governor ever. The rest have been pretty lame ducks too, not helped by the reality that they have no money and no real power unless there is a friendly government in power.

[barky]

Good guy, good guy... I guess that's something refreshingly different.... Yes, but as usual, What did he actually do in his time ? After a few years in the seat he should be able to rattle off a list of finished projects as long as your arm. Maybe he's made enough dosh and doesn't want to appear too greedy like all those who have gone before and those around him.

[marshbags]

Does this mean the Prime Minister, who is involved in the exact same criminal investigation, will also step down from his position in the way that the House Speaker, who's involved in a different case, also stepped down from his position?

I've just seen a giant flying pig go over the Elephant building.

Samak can fly as well

[steveromagnino]

He's not be great for sure, but compared to his predeccessor, at least he has done something other than a cooking show, some harebrained underground parking schemes and a variety of corrupt business deals.

Actually - his predecessor has done a bit more: under Samak many squatter communities were cleaned out from metropolitan Bangkok, such as the ones under the bridges and also some very old ones such as the one under the golden mount.

That may have been rather popular under some whose sensibilities were disturbed by the sight of poverty - but the replacements offered were usually miserable under- or undeveloped zones in the suburbs far off any employment possibilities.

other than during the APEC period I cannot recall anything in this area. Thanks will check it out, presumably this was part of the city scrub up where they killed all the dogs as well so that Thaksin could make Bangkok look like the best city in the world for 2 weeks.

[thedude]

i think the governator did a good job. no one is immune to corruption allegations while in office.

while he failed to solve traffic problems in bkk, he did at least plant lots of trees to give us something to look at while our cars are stuck in gridlock, and where we would previously be tripping over ourselves on those uneven pavements, now with even more street vendors and new government installed plants, we needn't even consider perambulating the dangerous sidewalks of bangkok, hence his contribution to pedestrian safety cannot go unsung.

just goes to show what a difference a Harvard-educated, ex-pepsico executive can make to this great city of ours if just given a chance.

hurry back Apirak, you will be missed.

So you don't like the BRT going to Rama 3 (launching mid July), you don't like the BTS extensions (blocked by TRT but finally able to be completed by the BMA once TRT were out), you don't like the Monday street clean up concept (no stalls), you don't like the improved flood prevention and planning, you don't like the improved marketing of Bangkok which has started to increase Bangkok's profile for tourism, you don't like the improved city planning that is encouraging more green spaces and preventing illegal building, you don't like the elimination of polystyrene for loi kratong?

He's not be great for sure, but compared to his predeccessor, at least he has done something other than a cooking show, some harebrained underground parking schemes and a variety of corrupt business deals.

gosh steve, no need to be so defensive, i had nothing but the handsomest prasies for the governator. just like him, his policies always have a nice appearance. i know how difficult it is. by the way, why is Rama III only getting a BRT and not the BTS? i heard a total of 0 (zero) tenders were received to construct the BRT system, thats why its been delayed, wassup with that, is Apirak refusing to share the love? as for the "bangkok city of life" murals painted under the skytrain tracks, i'm sure thousands of awe-struck tourists are quietly marvelling at the cool, fast-paced and progressive city they have found themselves in.

[Old Man River]

not helped by the reality that they have no money and no real power unless there is a friendly government in power.

The issue that a Bangkok governor (any Bangkok governor) has a big title with no power or money is the one issue that escapes the vast majority of people who talk about what a governor did or should be doing. To get something done in Bangkok that the central government does not want done can lead to a major confrontation between a lowly Bangkok governor and a mighty PM (and we have seen it).

Steve, you have hit the nail on the head.

[sriracha john]

PM comments on fire truck case and says he will not follow action of Mr. Apirak

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Samak Sundaravej, said he does not have to step down in order to show his spirit like Democrat Party member Apirak Kosayodhin, who has decided to suspend his work as the Bangkok Governor, after the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) has accused both of them for being involved with the alleged graft in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s fire engine procurement project.

Samak commented about Mr. Apirak's resignation in relation to the fire engine procurement scandal during his weekly radio and television program today (March 16th), saying the law does not require him and three other Cabinet members, who have been accused by the AEC, to suspend their works, since they are not in the previous ministerial posts.

The Prime Minister, however, admitted that he does not feel at ease when working because certain problems cease to end, such as the case of attempting to dissolve the People Power Party.

- ThaiNews

=========================

pre-quitting talk?

Edited March 16, 2008 by sriracha john

[Old Man River]

PM comments on fire truck case and says he will not follow action of Mr. Apirak

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Samak Sundaravej, said he does not have to step down in order to show his spirit like Democrat Party member Apirak Kosayodhin, who has decided to suspend his work as the Bangkok Governor, after the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) has accused both of them for being involved with the alleged graft in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s fire engine procurement project.

- ThaiNews

=========================

pre-quitting talk?

No, of course not. He has waited way too long to be PM to chuck it all in and step down now. Not an option for him.