[Tlc] T-Bangkok politics

[justinm at ucr.edu]

Forwarded from Al Valentine.
Thanks,
justin


http://www.bangkokpost.com/131108_News/13Nov2008_news01.php

Apirak resigns Keen to set standard, city voters go to polls again in Jan

POST REPORTERS

APIRAK KOSAYODHIN BANGKOK GOVERNOR
 

Bangkok voters will vote in a new governor election in January with Democrat deputy party leader Korn Chatikavanij tipped to run in the contest after Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin announced his resignation yesterday.

Mr Apirak's resignation, which will take effect on Nov 20, came one day after he was implicated in City Hall's fire engine procurement scandal by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The anti-graft agency ruled that he had violated the Criminal Code's Article 157 when he opened a letter of credit for the 6.8-billion-baht deal.

Mr Apirak, who was re-elected in a landslide victory on Oct 5, said his decision to step down even though the case has yet to go to court is to set a standard for Thai politics.

Mr Apirak protested his innocence, saying he had sought advice from various agencies, including the Interior Ministry and the Commerce Ministry, and was advised to open the letter of credit for the purchase to go through.

Election commissioner Prapun Naigowit said the new governor election is tentatively scheduled for Jan 11, noting that the Election Commission must fill the post within 60 days of Mr Apirak's resignation.

He said Mr Apirak is not obliged to pay for the new election.

Mr Apirak also apologised to Bangkok voters who re-elected him as governor, and the Democrat party which backed his bid for re-election.

"I apologise to the people for this. I also apologise to the Democrat party and the executive board. I will return after I go through the justice process," said Mr Apirak.

He said he had decided to run in the city governor election in October because he was confident that he had done nothing illegal.

The party gave full support to Mr Apirak to fight the charges in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

"I think he has made the right decision. City voters can now choose a new governor instead of waiting in uncertainty," said Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Mr Korn, a Democrat MP, said the party never doubted Mr Apirak's transparency and would do its best to help him fight the charges. "Mr Apirak has taken responsibility in a way that he believes will help the development of democracy," Mr Korn said.

Mr Korn did not rule out running for Bangkok governor, saying he would comply with whatever the party decided.

Mr Abhisit allayed criticisms about election costs following speculation that Mr Korn might resign to contest the governorship.

The EC will have to hold two elections if Mr Korn quits. The previous governor election cost about 150 million baht.

Mr Abhisit said democracy has its costs and elections are one of them. Mr Apirak's case would encourage more people to take political responsibility.

However, Mr Abhisit said the party has not finalised its choice of candidate, and an outsider could always run under the party's banner.

A party source said Mr Apirak kept the party in the dark about his decision.

Mr Abhisit and Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban were in disagreement over Mr Apirak's options, according to the source.

Mr Suthep was opposed to resignation on the grounds that the case has yet to be tried in court and the governor had tremendous support.

Mr Abhisit believed Mr Apirak should resign and was concerned about mounting pressure on both the party and Mr Apirak if he decided to stay on.

"Mr Apirak did not say if he would stay on or step down. This left Mr Abhisit jumpy until the press conference," said the source.

Former Bangkok governor candidates adopted a wait-and-see attitude as to whether to contest the fresh polls.

Prapat Chongsanguan, who ran for the People Power party (PPP) and finished second in the race, said he has yet to discuss the matter with the party.

" I have to talk to the PPP about my independence. I am not a party member. I want a free hand in doing my job," he said.

Kriangsak Charoenwongsak, an independent candidate, said he has to consider a number of factors.

"I cannot give an answer. I still have debts from the previous polls. I may run if sponsors come forward, and people are keen about the election," he said.

Mr Kriangsak said the Democrats should have foreseen this scenario.

Another independent, Chuwit Kamolvisit, said he has yet to make a decision, noting an election campaign is costly.

Mr Chuwit said he could team up with former candidates such as Mr Prapas and Mr Kriangsak to contest the polls. 

______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu