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Published on March 14, 2008

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin's decision yesterday to suspend himself from duty for his alleged link to the fire-truck scandal appears to put pressure on the government, with certain Cabinet members having recently insisted on staying on in office despite potentially facing graft trials.

Apirak explained that his self-imposed suspension was aimed at ensuring transparency and an investigation that is free from intervention.

On Wednesday, the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) resolved to charge six people for their alleged involvement with the scandal, including Apirak and three other senior officials relating to the purchase contract. That was in addition to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who was earlier charged by the AEC among the first batch of suspects.

The controversial purchase deal was signed when Samak was Bangkok governor.

Samak rebutted the charges in the pre-trial preparations. He said earlier that if both of them were charged in the scandal, Apirak should be the one suspended from duty, as the

governor was the current office holder.

MP Jatuporn Phrompan, from the ruling People Power Party, said he viewed the governor's self-imposed suspension as an attempt to put pressure on the prime minister.

"It's a move to sacrifice a knight for the king. This is a well-planned political ploy," he said. "In fact, this will benefit Apirak in two ways: he'll have more time for campaigning for the governor's seat, and his image will be a lot better".

The gubernatorial election is expected in October.

Apirak said in a press conference later that his decision to suspend himself was to show his accountability over the matter, and that he did not intend to cause any political repercussions.

Earlier, the AEC filed a petition with the Supreme Court against former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and 46 other members of his Cabinet for abuse of power involving the introduction of the two- and three-digit lotteries. Those named in the lawsuit include three members of the current Cabinet - Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, Labour Minister Uraiwan Thienthong and Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemas.

The government said the affected trio did not need to be suspended from duty because the accused Cabinet no longer exists.

Surapong said yesterday that the governor's decision would not affect him, as Apirak is an active office holder while he is no longer involved with the accused Cabinet.

Samak simply smiled when asked to comment about the governor's decision.

Meanwhile, the AEC chairman, Nam Yimyaem, said Apirak had set a good precedent for Thai politicians. He said the governor did not have to suspend himself from duty as he was merely accused by the AEC, and was not yet formally charged.

He declined to comment on whether Apirak's move would increase the pressure on the prime minister and the three Cabinet members charged in the lottery case.

In a related development, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday praised Apirak, a deputy leader, as "a true Democrat" after the governor announced his decision.

"Apirak has done his best to consult with relevant agencies about the legality of the contract, but he was told to comply with it and had no other options," Abhisit said.

He was referring to Apirak's involvement in making down payments for the fire trucks in spite of irregularities that led to the graft ruling against him.

The Nation