New Bangkok governor replaces incumbent in graft probe

By Arun Saronchai

BANGKOK (AA) - The Thai junta has appointed a new governor for the capital Bangkok, after allegations of graft and mismanagement plagued the previous administration.

Junta leader-cum-prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha used his executive powers Tuesday to replace Sukhumbhand Paribatra with Assawin Khwannmuang.

Chan-ocha had relieved the governor -- a great grandson of King Chulalongkorn -- of his duties in August "until the completion of the corruption investigation... to assure fairness to the accused".

Prior to being stood down, Paribatra -- who hails from the Democrat Party -- had been the highest elected official in the country, since a 2014 coup overthrew the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from the rival Pheu Thai Party.

Paribatra and the governor's office are under investigation for the misuse of funds including 15 million baht ($433,800) to redecorate the governor's office and a New Year's light show that cost the city 39.5 million baht (more than $1.1 million).

Since last week's passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the governor's office has been under tremendous pressure to organize and support mourners traveling into Bangkok.

According to the office, around 200,000 people per day have shown up to pay their respects.

The office is responsible for finding accommodation for mourners, traffic and sanitation around the grand palace and food and water for official ceremonies.