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"This is because he has been so committed to providing a good quality of life to Bangkok residents over the past four years," Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said. He was speaking after the party's board unanimously endorsed Apirak as the party candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial elections.

Abhisit added that Apirak also enjoyed support from various Thai and foreign organisations.

Four years ago, Apirak made his political debut by contesting the gubernatorial election under the Democrat banner. With total support from the party and his own good image, Apirak won.

However, his name is now tainted over the fire-truck scandal. After repeatedly trying and failing to scrap the fire-truck purchase deal signed by his predecessor, Apirak finally signed a letter of credit for the vehicles.

Investigation now shows that the trucks were bought at a highly inflated price.

Abhisit said yesterday that Apirak should not be barred from running for a second term just because he was implicated in the scandal.

"An Assets Examination Committee sub-panel has already decided not to indict him," Abhisit said.

Now that the AEC's term has expired, the fire-truck-purchase case has been put in the hands of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) and it remains unclear how the case will be concluded.

Meanwhile, in an open letter to Bangkok residents, Apirak called for votes so he can push ahead with his long-term policies.

"I am confident that I will be able to make Bangkok a pleasant place to live in and I pledge that I shall work honestly and to the fullest of my capabilities," Apirak's letter read.