Apirak Kosayothin

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Apirak Kosayothin (Thai: อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน, 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.

Born in Nonthaburi, 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[1]. Some policies, for instance "smart" traffic signs and bus stops flopped and his Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has yet to come into service. He was much lauded for a plan to extend the BTS Skytrain, but the extension is also not yet in operation.

After two years in office, poll respondents gave him highest marks for diligence and dedication to work. He received 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.[2]

Apirak and his vice governor suffered from a corruption scandal involving bribes from construction contractors. A House anti-corruption committee found clear signs of graft in 16 road construction projects awarded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The scandal is currently being investigated by the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) of the Royal Thai Police. The wife of the vice governor has been accused of receiving a BMW Series 7 as a bribe from one of the contractors. [3][4]