Bangkok governor resigns over anti-corruption body’s conclusion

The National Counter Corruption Commission said Tuesday that Apirak Kosayodhin and ex-governor Samak Sundaravej — who served briefly as prime minister this year — were involved in the irregular purchase of equipment from Steyr Co.

The commission recommended that Apirak, Samak and four other former officials be prosecuted for dereliction of duty, abuse of authority and corruption.

Apirak said Wednesday that he did nothing wrong. “I am confident in my innocence and I am ready to fight in the Thai justice system,” he said at a press conference.

Apirak, a former mobile phone company executive, recently won an election for a second term as governor of Bangkok. Samak stepped down as prime minister in September when a court ruled that his paid hosting of a television cooking show constituted a conflict of interest.

Resignations by Thai politicians following corruption scandals are rare unless ordered by a court. Apirak said his resignation will be effective from Nov. 19.

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