Apirak Kosayodhin

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Apirak Kosayodhin is a Thai politician and businessman who served as the 14th Governor of Bangkok from 2004 to 2008. He later held several roles in the Democrat Party and in national politics.

Early life and education
Apirak was born on March 30, 1961, in Nonthaburi, Thailand, into a Thai-Chinese family. He attended Triam Udom Suksa School and Chiang Mai University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology in 1983.

Business career before politics
He began his career in the food and retail sectors, working for Pizza Hut in Thailand and later holding various manager and director positions. From 2002 to 2004, he served as CEO of TA Orange (now True Move) and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Governor of Bangkok (2004–2008)
Apirak was endorsed by the Democrat Party and elected Bangkok governor in 2004 with about 40% of the vote. He was re-elected in 2008 with around 45% but resigned a month later after being indicted on corruption charges.

During his term, he worked on expanding Bangkok’s transport network, including routes that would become part of the BTS Skytrain expansion. He also oversaw the creation of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, which opened in 2008. His administration faced criticism for some programs, such as the “smart taxi stops,” which had limited use, but the smart traffic signs offered some improvement in traffic information.

Resignation and later court ruling
In November 2008, Apirak resigned after the National Counter Corruption Commission indicted him along with other officials. A by-election was called for the next Bangkok governor. In September 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Apirak was not guilty, saying he had followed proper procedures and that he helped renegotiate the contract, saving the Bangkok administration about 250 million baht.

Advisor to the Prime Minister and member of Parliament
After resigning as governor, Apirak became an advisor to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. In December 2010, he won a Bangkok district MP seat (District 2) with a large majority. Following the 2011 national elections, he became a party-list MP for the Democrats, later serving as deputy party leader and shadow minister of commerce.

Major flood relief effort (2011)
During Thailand’s catastrophic floods in 2011, Apirak and the Seni Pramoj Foundation helped organize Asa-Thai, a volunteer group that distributed aid across the country. By the end of the crisis, Asa-Thai delivered thousands of relief bags, meals, and temporary shelters to flood victims in many provinces.

Other political activity
Apirak remained active in politics and ran in the 2013 Bangkok governor election. He has carried out roles aimed at economic reform, decentralization, and social enterprise through his work with the Democrat Party and government partners.

Personal life and honors
Apirak is married to Patima Kosayodhin. He studied at Chiang Mai University and is known for his background as a business executive and a public servant. He has received several royal decorations, including:
- Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Order of the White Elephant (2011)
- Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Order of the Crown of Thailand (2008)
- Member (Fifth Class) of the Order of the Direkgunabhorn (2005)
- The Boy Scout Citation Medal (2004)

Apirak Kosayodhin’s career combines business leadership with public service, highlighted by his term as Bangkok’s governor, his later roles in national politics, and his ongoing involvement in disaster relief and local development.