The Assets Examination Committee has already concluded that there were grounds to believe that five officials - former and incumbent - had corruptly prepared the deal that finally cost the country Bt1.9 billion.

Apirak was not identified as a suspect even though he opened the letter of credit for the deal, because the AEC decided that his actions were dictated by an agreement of understanding and a purchase agreement entered into by the five suspects.

However, some Democrats have complained that Apirak could have handled the deal better.

Phiraphan Saleeratvipark, who heads the party's legal team, said he had called on Apirak to cancel the deal, to no avail.

Apirak went to the Democrat Party headquarters yesterday with Deputy Governor Panit Vikitset, a legal adviser and his personal secretary to go over the purchase agreement with the Austrian supplier, which was intended to provide fire engines for the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department.

He spent much of the session explaining his administration's decision to allow fare increases on the Skytrain.

Apirak will today meet with the attorney general to discuss legal aspects of the fire engine deal.

When questioned, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva defended his deputy over the deal.