The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) resolved unanimously Tuesday that Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin is guilty of wrongdoing in the fire truck and boat procurement scandal.
Mr Apirak, who served as the governor for the second term, was found to have been involved in irregularities in the 6.7-billion-baht purchase of fire trucks and fire boats from Austrian firm Steyr Co.
The overpriced deal was signed by his predecessor, who was also former prime minister, Samak Sundaravej in 2004.
Mr Apirak, former prime minister Samak Sundaravej and nine others were accused of corruption in violation of Article 157 of the Criminal Code after ordering Krung Thai Bank to issue a letter-of-credit to purchase overpriced fire engines from Austria’s Steyr Daimler Puch Company.
Mr Apirak said earlier he was forced by the contract to open a letter of credit for the purchase, even though he had repeatedly resisted it due to the alleged irregularities.
After the resolution, the Bangkok governor, who ran under the Democrat banner, said he would meet with Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to discuss his future.
He said he would hold a press conference on Wednesday to announce his political future.

By Bangkok Post Agencies

Nov 12, 2008