FIRE TRUCKS SCANDAL

Apirak is a true Democrat : Abhisit

BKK City Governor Apirak Kosayodhin suspended his duty on Thursday after anti-graft committee linked him to fire truck scandals.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday said City Governor Apirak Kosayodhin is a true Democrat after he announced to suspend his duty to show accountability for the fire trucks scandal.

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

He was referring to Apirak's involvement in making downpayments inspite of irregularities which led to the graft ruling against him.

The job suspension happened a day following the ruling by the Assets Examination Committee to suspect foul play involving Apirak and three other senior officials relating to the purchase contract for fire trucks signed when Prime Minister Samak Sunadaravej was the city governor.

Samak has been singled out among the first batch of suspects and is rebutting charges in the pre-trial preparations.

The Nation
http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/13/politics/politics_30068043.php

FIRE TRUCKS SCANDAL: Nathanon "doesn't have to quit": Sutha

FIRE TRUCKS SCANDAL

Nathanon "doesn't have to quit": Sutha

The boss of Nathanon Thavisin on Thursday insisted he would not suspend her from the position of adviser to the Social Development and Human Security Ministry inspite of her involvement in irregularities relating to the fire trucks scandal.

Minister Sutha Chansaeng said Nathanon's present job had no bearing on the case which happened when she was the city clerk of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

"Nathanon is advising me on the affairs of women and children and I don't think this has anything to do with the charges raised against her," he said.

Nathanon is among the second batch of suspects which include Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin and former commerce minister Watana Muangsuk from the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.

The naming of additional suspects is the fallout from the graft indictments against Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej who approved the suspicious deal when he was the city governor.

The Nation
http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/13/politics/politics_30068045.php

Abhisit praises Apirak for showing accountability

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday said Apirak Kosayodhin is a true Democrat after the Bangkok governor announced to suspend his duty in order to show accountability for the fire trucks scandal.

"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 in reference to Apirak's involvement in making downpayments inspite of irregularities which led to the graft ruling against him.

The Nation
http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30068041

My Take:
It's a good example for all Thai politicians. Even though this can be looked as making his image (or Democrat Party) looks better than PPP's people including Samuk S. the P.M. The bar has been raised.