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Published on March 14, 2008

Apirak is implicated in corruption while Spitzer was caught using the services of call girls.

In an increasingly apologetic world, are they fools to quit?

Here's what you think ...

Resigning from a prestigious position shows the person is not attached to the title.

   In the case of Apirak, it lifts the standard of political

practice. The rest of the country rarely does so, which is a shame.

Chamaiporn Sangkrachang

President of  the Writers Association of Thailand

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I think it is good when a politician shows responsibility. I really like Apirak. He has been working well for Bangkok and I hoped he would not resign. However, his case cannot be compared with that of the New York governor because he has been found guilty, Apirak has not.

Sopidnapa Chumpani

Actress

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The moral degree of our politicians, I believe, is below zero. They're shameless. We're in a 'demon'cracy, not democracy. I'm working on a series of paintings called 'Dark Period' to satirise these shameless powerful men.

Vasan Sitthiket

Artist and founder of the Artists Party

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People will forgive politicians if they admit their guilt. But the bottom line is people are more concerned with what these politicians do for the country. Their personal life is secondary. Take Clinton, for example. People seem to forget his scandals as his actions spoke louder.

Tamarine Tanasugarn

Tennis player

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What the two have done is right. It will allow investigators to act

without interference. Top officials, if found guilty, should be punished more than ordinary people. But, I don't think Spitzer needed to quit. He should just apologise to his wife.

Chantawipa Apisuk

Empower Foundation

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Politicians caught in a scandal don't have to resign. Clinton did not quit over his relationship with Lewinsky. Unlike Apirak, other indicted people are not serving in posts linked to the fire-vehicle scandal any more.

Pongthep Thepkan-chana

Spokesman for Thaksin Shinawatra

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I admire Apirak. His self-suspension will set a new standard. I think Spitzer's quitting will remind others to restrain themselves over sex. However, Thais don't pay much attention to the sexual exploits of high-ranking officials. I want the public to condemn this.

Supensri Pungkoksung,

Friends of Women Foundation

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If Apirak quits, it means he might be involved in corruption. If he was not, he should not fear investigation.

   Meanwhile, the New York governor's resignation was a show of responsibility, even though buying sex is normal for men. But it was not appropriate.

Wantee Supada

Bangkok street stall owner

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Though politicians are believed to be involved in corruption, I am not convinced Apirak is in this case; he was forced to follow procedure.

   The New York governor's resignation is a good example of politicians taking responsibility for their mistakes.

Bongkotrat Chusai

University student

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Politicians should wait to be convicted before resigning. How can the country develop if politicians have to quit in order to fight allegations?

Sombat Nongkomma

Cobbler

Daily Xpress