Apirak Kosayodhin
| Apirak Kosayodhin อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน |
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| Governor Apirak Kosayodhin | |
| 15th Governor of Bangkok | |
| In office August 29, 2004 – November 13, 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Samak Sundaravej |
| Succeeded by | Sukhumbhand Paribatra |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 30, 1961 Nonthaburi |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Religion | Buddhist |
Apirak Kosayodhin (Thai: อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน, born March 30, 1961) is a former Thai business executive and former governor of Bangkok. In the gubernatorial elections on August 29, 2004 he won with 40% of the votes. He was re-elected on October 6, 2008, in the gubernatorial elections with 45% of the vote, but he resigned a month later after being indicted on charges of corruption.
Born in Nonthaburi in a Thai Chinese family,[1][2] he studied at Triam Udom Suksa School and Chiang Mai University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Food Science and Technology in 1983. Beginning his professional career at the Thai branch of Pizza Hut, he worked at several companies as manager and director. 2002–2004 he was among other posts CEO of TA Orange (currently known as True Move) and member of the Board of Directors of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
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[edit] Governor of Bangkok
In 2004 the Democratic Party nominated him as their candidate for the Bangkok governor election, which he won gaining 40% of all votes. Paveena Hongsakul, an independent candidate with the unofficial support of the ruling Thai Rak Thai party, came in second-place with 16% of the vote.
Critics have noted the lack of tangible impact Apirak had in his role as city governor.[3] Some policies, for instance "smart" traffic signs and bus stops flopped and his Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has yet to come into service. However, he was lauded for being able to push the extension of BTS Skytrain routes, which are currently under construction. Another notable project Apirak was successful in implementing is the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre at Pathumwan intersection which opened in 2008.
After two years in office, poll respondents gave him high marks for diligence and dedication to work. But he received his lowest marks for seeing projects through to completion. His traffic and transport initiatives also received flunking marks. Overall, 57% of Bangkokians felt he had met expectations.[4]
Apirak's so-called smart taxi stops were met with derision. The 150 stops that were in operation by October 2005 looked like bus stops. If people were waiting, a red light became visible to nearby cabs. If no taxis passed by, would-be passengers could press a button and a call centre would direct cabs to the stand. A BMA study found the stops had a success rate of only 38.6%. Although 189,549 smart taxis had been hailed, the study showed that only 73,168 stopped to pick up passengers. Many stops stood empty and unused.[5] However, Apirak's smart traffic signs have been a mild success, giving motorists more information about traffic conditions ahead and is mild relief from the stress of driving in the city.
The military junta's Assets Examination Committee (AEC) did not charge Apirak over the controversial purchase of fire-fighting equipment for the city. Sithichok Rawdkrutha, an AEC member, lodged a complaint with AEC Chairman Nam Yimyaem over the decision and noted that he suspected Apirak of dereliction of duty or malfeasance for giving the nod to the purchase, for which he allegedly received 500 million baht in kickbacks.[6] Apirak has protested his innocence by pointing to the fact that the deal was originally signed by the former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej. Apirak claims to have been forced by the ex-governor's agreement to continue the project.
[edit] Re-election
Despite the hanging allegations Apirak won re-election on the October 5, 2008 with 45% of the vote or 991,018 of the votes cast.
- Further information: Bangkok gubernatorial election, 2008
[edit] Resignation
On the November 11, 2008 the National Counter Corruption Commission announced that Apirak was indicted together with other officials including former Governor and Prime Minister Samak.[7] On the 13 Apirak announced in front of television cameras his resignation saying: "Like the Democrat Party, I support a move that will perpetuate politics-for-people," he continued "I have complete confidence in my innocence. I am ready to see my case go through the judicial system. I am confident that I will receive justice in the end,". Abhisit Vejjajiva Leader of the Democrat party was quoted saying: "Apirak's decision set a standard many people want to see in Thai politics. It's praiseworthy and he deserves moral support from society,"[8] His resignation immediately set out a by-election for the next governor. Currently he is a close adviser to PM Abhisit Vejjajiva.
[edit] References
- ^ (Chinese) 泰国曼谷新市长是华裔帅哥
- ^ (Chinese) 潮州友好代表团受到曼谷市长阿披叻热烈欢迎
- ^ "Political sentiment turns toward the democrats". The Nation. 2006-07-25. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/25/politics/politics_30009487.php.
- ^ "BKK governor passes with 5/10 : Poll". The Nation. 2006-09-04. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09/04/headlines/headlines_30012758.php.
- ^ "BMA outsmarted by jokers at taxi stands". The Nation. 2007-04-02. http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/02/national/national_30030857.php.
- ^ "AEC urged to charge Apirak over tainted deal". The Nation. 2007-07-09. http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/09/politics/politics_30039960.php.
- ^ http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/read.php?newsid=30088198&keyword=apirak
- ^ http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/read.php?newsid=30088313&keyword=apirak
[edit] External links
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Samak Sundaravej |
Governor of Bangkok 2004–2008 |
Succeeded by M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra |
