Apirak Kosayothin

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Apirak on a poster in Bangkok

Apirak Kosayothin (Thai: อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน, Chinese: 李勝利 Li Shengli, born March 30, 1961) was a Thai business executive and is the current governor of Bangkok. In the gubernational elections on August 29, 2004 he won 40% of the votes. He was incriminated in a corruption scandal involving fire-fighting equipment but later acquitted.

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.

[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 much lauded for being able to push the extension of BTS routes, which are currently under-construction. Another notable project Apirak has been successful in implementing is the Bangkok Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art at Pathumwan intersection scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007.

After two years in office, poll respondents gave him high marks for diligence and dedication to work. But he received the 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 were in operation since October 2005 looked like bus stops. When people are waiting in one a red light becomes visible to nearby cabs. If no taxis are passing would-be passengers can press a button and a call centre directs cabs to the stand. A BMA study found that the stops had a success rate of a mere 38.6%. Although 189,549 smart taxis had been hailed, just 73,168 of them reported picking up passengers, the study found. Numerous stops went totally unused.^[5] However, Apirak's smart traffic signs have been a mild success giving motorists more information with regards to the traffic conditions ahead and has been mild relief from the stress of traffic.

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 be forced by the ex-governor's agreement to continue the project.