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The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) voted yesterday to prosecute Apirak for his role in the procurement of Bt6.8 billion worth of fire engines for the city.

However, Apirak said he would wait to see the details of the decision before deciding whether to step down as governor. He will also consult the Democrat Party before deciding his next move.

Prior to the recent election for Bangkok governor, Apirak took a leave of absence after being implicated in the scandal, saying that would facilitate the investigation.

Some observers said Apirak gained extra votes from that decision, as he expressed a politician's spirit, which is not a common thing in Thailand. In last month's election, he received 991,018 votes, a lot more than the 911,411 he received four years ago.

What would happen if Apirak decided to cling to his office when the case goes to court?

Insiders say his popularity could drop.

Notably, when the previous Cabinet was implicated in the lottery scandal, but no minister quit his post, the Democrats denounced them, and the Cabinet lost the tiny credibility it had.

Certainly, Apirak has a lot to lose by staying on.

Many Democrats are now pushing hard for its leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, to become the new prime minister. Abhisit is a good choice, but besides his rhetorical excellence he has not demonstrated the necessary charisma. There is also speculation that once Apirak completes his latest four-year term and decides to join national politics, he would be a prominent competitor against Abhisit.

Despite criticism of his projects - which are launched mostly for the sake of public relations - Apirak has proved he never lacks ideas for reshaping Bangkok. Certainly, with a larger budget, national politics should encourage him to come up with bigger and better projects for the country if he happens to become the prime minister.

Certainly, there are reasons for him to step down.

Bangkokians would then have to go to the polling booths again, and another Bt150 million would be budgeted for the new election.

Given the clear outlook, that explains why Chuwit Kamolvisit, one of the candidates in last month's governor election, made his presence felt when the NACC read the decision. Like other failed candidates, he must be hoping for a new election.