Bangkok governor to step down in face of corruption probe
Bangok governor has said he was stepping aside from his job amid a corruption probe that also targets the country's PM.
By Agencies |
BANGKOK: The governor of Thailand's capital said on Thursday he was stepping aside from his job amid a corruption probe that also targets the country's prime minister.
Governor Apirak Kosayodhin told reporters he was "suspending" his role as Bangkok's mayor to clear his name before the Assets Examination Committee that is pressing charges against him, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and four other persons.
The case involves the purchase of 315 firefighting trucks and 30 boats at what is alleged to have been an inflated price of 6.7 billion baht (US$212 million; euro136 million). Samak was governor at the time of the purchase and Apirak later signed a letter of credit.
Samak, whose People's Power Party heads a coalition government, continues to serve as prime minister despite anti-corruption laws mandating those charged to step down from their posts until a final verdict is reached.
"I am showing the spirit of democracy so I will suspend my role as the governor of Bangkok," said Apirak, who is also deputy leader of the opposition Democrat party.
Apirak said he would assign one of his deputies to work in his place until the situation is resolved.
Governor Apirak Kosayodhin told reporters he was "suspending" his role as Bangkok's mayor to clear his name before the Assets Examination Committee that is pressing charges against him, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and four other persons.
The case involves the purchase of 315 firefighting trucks and 30 boats at what is alleged to have been an inflated price of 6.7 billion baht (US$212 million; euro136 million). Samak was governor at the time of the purchase and Apirak later signed a letter of credit.
Samak, whose People's Power Party heads a coalition government, continues to serve as prime minister despite anti-corruption laws mandating those charged to step down from their posts until a final verdict is reached.
"I am showing the spirit of democracy so I will suspend my role as the governor of Bangkok," said Apirak, who is also deputy leader of the opposition Democrat party.
Apirak said he would assign one of his deputies to work in his place until the situation is resolved.
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