Apirak burned

The losers from last month's Bangkok governor election are sharpening their claws for a rematch as Governor Apirak Kosayodhin is trampled beneath accusations of graft.

Chuwit Kamolvisit pounced yesterday at the National Counter Corruption Commis-sion's office, where the decision to prosecute Apirak for his involvement in the Bt6.8-billion fire engine scandal was announced. He immediately proclaimed his readiness to run in a new election.

A huddle of People Power Party MPs and Bangkok Councillors formed after the NCCC decision came through, an informed source reported, adding that the party would nominate former Bangkok governor hopeful Prapat Chong-sanguan, who they thought would be favourite to win this time round.

In the running

Prapat, runner-up in the recent election, told the Daily Xpress he would comment only if Apirak decided to step down.

Dr Kriengsak Charoenwong-sak, who came fourth in the election, was unavailable.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayo-dhin is expected to submit his resignation today following the National Counter Cor-ruption Commission's ruling, according to a Democrat Party source. It would pave the way for an election to be held within 60 days of the resignation.

Mentioned as a potential candidate, Democrat Party deputy leader Korn Chatika-vanij said he cared about Bangkok residents but was still focusing on his role as a Bangkok MP and Shadow Finance Minister.

The NCCC's decision to prosecute Apirak for his role in the fire engines' procurement was unanimous.

Apirak said he was waiting for the details of the ruling and would consult Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva before deciding his next move. He scheduled a press conference for today. Altogether, 11 people will be charged.