In the previous gubernatorial election in March 2013, Sukhumbhand, seeking a second term as Bangkok governor, was elected with a record 1.25 million votes – more than any single candidate in Thailand’s political history.

His sweet success convinced many political observers that this politician with the blue blood – once a Democrat rising star – has the potential to lead the government in the future. However, after three years in office, Sukhumbhand seems to have been mired in deep political troubles.

He has upset many Bangkok residents over what they view as his disappointing performance. The governor angered many voters when he told Bangkok residents who complained about flooding in the low-lying city to move to a mountainous area.

His colleagues from the Democrat Party started scrutinising some of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s projects that they found to be unreasonably expensive.

The governor also became estranged from his party after he repeatedly refused to meet with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to explain about those projects. He has denied any irregularities but has failed to convince his critics.

The latest case involves the BMA’s purchase of “compact rescue vehicles”. Democrat politician Wilas Chantarapitak said that the vehicles, equipped with fire-fighting tools, are priced at Bt8 million each. He said there was a plan to buy 20 such vehicles for a total price of Bt160 million.

It was alleged that the vehicles were unreasonably expensive. It looks like an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) modified to be a small fire engine. Strangely, the vehicle has the steering wheel on the left side, which is opposite to most vehicles in this country, where traffic keeps to the left side of the road.

Auditor-general Pisit Leelavachiropas told the media that he had twice advised in writing against purchasing the vehicles. The plan calls for the BMA to use the vehicles for fire-fighting in populated communities with narrow lanes. However, tests by the auditor-general showed that the vehicles could not navigate through slums with narrow lanes. Instead, the vehicles would end up blocking evacuation in case of fire. Also, he warned that having the steering wheel on the left side could slow down future rescue operations.

The BMA maintained that the vehicles had the capability of travelling through small roads and narrow lanes. They also said that it was not against the law to drive with the steering wheel on the left side. But they did not argue against the safety concerns.

This is just the latest in a series of controversies that have shaken the governor’s seat. Earlier, Sukhumbhand was linked to alleged irregularities involving the BMA’s Bt39-million New Year light show and a Bt16-million renovation of the governor’s office. Earlier this week, the Interior Ministry instructed the BMA to take criminal action against the governor regarding the light show scandal.

It is interesting that the Interior Ministry has taken action about the governor. It is true that the ministry oversees the BMA. But in fact the National Anti-Corruption Commission is already investigating this case. It is the NACC’s duty to take criminal action against the governor, as a political office holder, and this matter is beyond the police’s scope of responsibility.

There has been speculation about the possible removal of the governor. Prime Minister PrayutChan-o-cha has axed many top executives of local administrative organisations accused of corruption, by invoking Article 44 of the post-coup interim charter. However, Sukhumbhand has managed to retain his seat despite alleged irregularities.

According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act, the interior minister is empowered to remove the governor with a resolution from the Cabinet.

It will be interesting to see whether Sukhumbhand will be able to stay on until his term ends in March next year.

attayuth@nationgroup.com