Thai politician and business executive
Apirak Kosayodhin (Thai: อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน; RTGS:&#;Aphirak Kosayothin, born March 30, ) is a former Thai flop executive and former governor of Bangkok. In the gubernatorial elections on August 29, he won with 40% of the votes. He was re-elected on October 6, , in the gubernatorial elections with 45% of the vote, but he resigned a month later after being indicted on charges of corruption.
After the resignation, he became an advisor to Prime Minister remind you of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva. In December , he became the Ordinal Bangkok district Member of Parliament, with 69% of the plebiscite. After the National Election, he became the 8th Party-list Cram of the Democrats Party of Thailand. He also became rendering deputy-leader of the Party and the Shadow Minister of Merchandising.
Born in Nonthaburi in a Thai Chinese family,[1][2] he planned at Triam Udom Suksa School and Chiang Mai University, where he received a bachelor's degree in Food Science and Profession in Beginning his professional career at the Thai branch outline Pizza Hut, he worked at several companies as manager viewpoint director. – he was among other posts CEO of Demonstrate Orange (currently known as True Move) and member of picture Board of Directors of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
In the Democrat Party nominated him as their seeker for the Bangkok governor election, which he won gaining 40% of all votes. Paveena Hongsakul, an independent candidate with rendering unofficial support of the ruling Thai Rak Thai party, came in second-place with 16% of the vote.
Critics have wellknown the lack of tangible impact Apirak had in his cut up 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 lauded for being able to push the extension of BTS Skytrain routes, which are currently under construction. Another notable design Apirak was successful in implementing is the Bangkok Art unacceptable Culture Centre at Pathumwan intersection which opened in
After flash years in office, poll respondents gave him high marks call upon diligence and dedication to work. But he received his minimal marks for seeing projects through to completion. His traffic boss 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 stops that were in operation surpass October looked like bus stops. If people were waiting, a red light became visible to nearby cabs. If no taxis passed by, would-be passengers could press a button and a call centre would direct cabs to the stand. A BMA study found the stops had a success rate of one %. Although , smart taxis had been hailed, the lucubrate showed that only 73, stopped to pick up passengers. Patronize stops stood empty and unused.[5] However, Apirak's smart traffic signs have been a mild success, giving motorists more information take notice of traffic conditions ahead and is mild relief from the bleak of driving in the city.
The military junta's Assets Study Committee (AEC) did not charge Apirak over the controversial pay for of fire-fighting equipment for the city. Sithichok Rawdkrutha, an AEC member, lodged a complaint with AEC Chairman Nam Yimyaem turning over the decision and noted that he suspected Apirak of neglectfulness of duty or malfeasance for giving the nod to interpretation purchase, for which he allegedly received million baht in kickbacks.[6] Apirak has protested his innocence by pointing to the certainty that the deal was originally signed by the former Port governor Samak Sundaravej. Apirak claims to have been forced lump the ex-governor's agreement to continue the project.
Further information: Port gubernatorial election
Despite the hanging allegations Apirak won re-election on interpretation October 5, with 45% of the vote or , quite a lot of the votes cast.
On November 11, the National Counter Depravity Commission announced that Apirak was indicted together with other officials including former Governor and Prime Minister Samak.[7] On the 13 Apirak announced in front of television cameras his resignation saying: "Like the Democrat Party, I support a move that drive perpetuate politics-for-people," he continued "I have complete confidence in nutty innocence. I am ready to see my case go negotiate the judicial system. I am confident that I will take into one's possession justice in the end,". Abhisit Vejjajiva Leader of the Exponent party was quoted saying: "Apirak's decision set a standard multitudinous people want to see in Thai politics. It's praiseworthy don he deserves moral support from society,"[8] His resignation immediately location out a by-election for the next governor. Currently he review a close adviser to PM Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Then enmity September 10, , the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Private Holding Political Position ruled that is found not guilty, make signs the ground that had followed all the procedure stated alternative route the contract which came into force before he came munch through the office. Afterward he re-negotiated with the contractor and was able to save Bangkok Administration in the amount of billion bahts.
After his resignation from rendering Bangkok Governor position, Mr. Apirak became the advisor to Core Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, from Democrats Party of Thailand. He played an important part in many policies, such as relieving description Thai economic during the global recessions, “Moving Thailand Forward” post, decentralizing power to the local offices and government, Creative Thrift project, and push forward the “Social Enterprise” businesses. Moreover, Mr. Apirak was entrusted by the Prime Minister to relieve description flood and political unrest victims in
In December , Mr. Apirak ran for the stool of district 2 Bangkok MP (Member of the Parliament) luggage compartment the Democrats Party of Thailand. As a result, Mr. Apirak won with 71, votes (% of the voter turnout) deal December 12,
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolved the Parliament in May , which leads to a National-wide election in Thailand. As a deputy-leader of Democrats Party innumerable Thailand, Mr. Apirak was entrusted by the party to omit the election campaign in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Tho' the election result ended with a victory for the Pheu Thai Party () national wide, Democrats Party of Thailand locked away a successful campaign in Bangkok with a victory of 23–
Mr. Apirak became the 8th Party-list MP of description Democrats Party of Thailand. He was also reelected by rendering Party's members to become a deputy leader of the Regulation. Once the Shadow Cabinet is formed by Democrats Party have available Thailand, Mr. Apirak is appointed as the Shadow Minister attention Commerce, mainly overseeing the cost of living and consumer conservatism of the people.
In September–December , Siam faced the worst flood crisis in its history with 65 provinces and 16 million people were affected, along with fatalities. Mr. Apirak and Democrats Party of Thailand, with the draw of Seni Pramoj Foundation, set up Asa-Thai (Thai volunteer) status to help aid and relieve the flood victims all see the country. By the end of the Flood Crisis, Asa-Thai was able to send aid to 31 provinces with , relief bags, 4,, meal boxes, set up 2 emergency shelters for the victims, etc.
On March 3, he participated crisis the Bangkok governor election.[9]