Abhisit declared that the Democrat Party is ready to contest the election. He regretted that the parliament was dissolved prematurely before resolving border and flood problems. He warned the caretaker government against prolonging the election process and stressed that it must comply with the law. He expressed confusion that those pushing for constitutional reform chose this way to conclude the matter.
At 13:30 on 12 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at the Democrat Party headquarters, Abhisit Vejjajiva, party leader, spoke about election readiness following the government's announcement to dissolve parliament. He said the party is fully prepared with no issues. As a parliamentary party, elections can always occur. He instructed all executives from the start to work against time, acknowledging some limitations but expressed confidence. The party is accelerating both policy development addressing national needs and candidate selection in full accordance with legal procedures and intent. Many young people interested in honest politics have come forward, requiring careful screening and selection for suitability. Regarding the timing of candidate announcements, Abhisit said they strictly follow the law, starting with consultations from party branches and provincial representatives as mandated. After gathering opinions, the selection committee will promptly convene to propose candidates for the party executive's approval. Whether they will field candidates in all 400 constituencies is still unknown as applications are being screened.
"However, the party's concern, as stated in a statement released last night, is that the country currently faces both border conflicts and flood recovery. Unified politics with full power could help overcome these challenges well. It is regrettable that political maneuvering has caused a standstill, halting constitutional amendments and pending legislation in parliament, all lost due to dissolution. I urge the Prime Minister and government to focus on completing these two missions well. Although elections are upcoming, it is undeniable that even the government and Prime Minister will spend time campaigning. Without full authority and with the government serving in a caretaker role until a new government forms, new policy decisions will be difficult, and budget constraints may arise since the Election Commission will get involved. If the Prime Minister and government start managing these tasks now, they should try to minimize impacts. As for the election, the political parties will proceed according to their processes," Abhisit said.
When asked if he thinks the government might use this period to prolong its caretaker status, Abhisit said there is no justification to extend beyond what the law permits. For example, the prior postponement of the by-election in Sisaket province followed legal procedures because the Election Commission determined that elections could not be held there, needing to ensure genuine public participation. It is the Election Commission's authority to delay elections. However, regarding the general election, he sees no legal basis for postponement. While there was a constitutional court ruling that general elections must be held simultaneously nationwide, Abhisit understands there have been attempts to amend provisions to address such situations. How this will proceed is the Election Commission's responsibility to decide.
When asked if the sudden dissolution favored the Bhumjaithai Party over its allies, Abhisit said he does not want to debate who violated agreements but regrets, as stated in the Democrat Party's statement, that if political parties sought common ground to advance shared goals, it could have avoided negatively impacting major national issues. Advantages and disadvantages exist under the circumstances. The party gives the Prime Minister fairness since he has repeatedly said that if a no-confidence debate is triggered, he would dissolve parliament. Previously, the coalition party had not indicated plans for such a debate, stating the government had no serious wrongdoing. But disagreements on constitutional substance led to this outcome. Abhisit thought it would have been better if parties prioritized major national problems and negotiated for solutions. But now, the process must proceed accordingly.
When asked if he regretted that constitutional amendments and other pending laws in parliament could not be passed, Abhisit said he feels somewhat confused that those seeking to push amendments or draft a new constitution suddenly chose a path to end the process. Although there was a proposal for the Cabinet's approval to hold a referendum, this would not simplify constitutional reform. Previously, the public was asked questions alongside draft constitutions allowing for new drafting. Even if a referendum passed alongside elections, another referendum would still be required when amending Article 256. He finds it strange that instead of seeking solutions, they chose a path resembling starting from scratch.