"Dechism" opens up about taking a political hiatus without party affiliation to express his dissent against distorted politics after leaving the Democrat Party, amid rumors of shifting to the Kla Tham Party.
On 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Dechism Khaothong, former secretary-general of the Democrat Party and former MP for Songkhla's 5th district, posted on his personal Facebook, sharing his candid thoughts as the party's leader.
"I am pausing to declare to the Thai people that I do not agree with the current distorted political system."
First, I express my condolences to those affected by flooding in Hat Yai. If the Prime Minister were capable, my people would not have suffered such heavy losses despite having full authority over disaster management but still making decisions influenced by political reasons.
Today, I ask everyone to listen fairly, open your minds to my thoughts, my words, and observe my actions.
My background: my parents are from Songkhla and Phatthalung. I was born in Rat Phum, studied in Songkhla, earned two bachelor’s degrees from Ramkhamhaeng University and a master’s from NIDA, and am currently completing a master’s in Environmental Management at Prince of Songkla University.
My political journey began as a subdistrict councilor.
At the start of decentralization, when provincial governors served as PAO chiefs by position, and later PAO chiefs were elected by councils, I served two terms as Songkhla PAO chief and chaired the Southern PAO federation starting at age 32.
I was a PAO chief with a clean record—no officials were imprisoned. After my tenure, subsequent PAO chiefs faced scandals, with many officials jailed. This is the truth.
My parliamentary career began in 2004-2005. I ran for MP with the Democrat Party. Initially, the party excluded me from the candidate poll, so I ran with Thai Rak Thai, earning 33,039 votes and placing second.
When the MP seat became vacant, wanting to remain with the Democrat Party, I met Mr. Abhisit, underwent a party poll, and won, receiving the party’s nomination.
In campaigning, I did not use party funds and secured 55,000 votes—the highest in the South—with the Democrat Party winning three seats in Songkhla.
After the election, Mr. Abhisit resigned, followed by some executive committee members. A new party leader was elected, with Secretary Chalermchai and others supporting my candidacy for deputy party leader overseeing the South. Despite requests to withdraw due to my youth, I won decisively.
As deputy overseeing the South, I managed by-elections, winning both districts, and in the 2023 election, the Democrat Party secured 17 seats under my supervision.
Later, when Mr. Jurin resigned and a new executive committee was elected amid irregularities including two failed meetings, I was elected party secretary-general. During my tenure, party membership noticeably increased.
Regarding Democrat Party participation in government, the party maintained a clear policy of following party resolutions, which were always observed.
Despite my efforts, I faced accusations of causing party decline. I ask: I have worked transparently, improving the party within established rules and following party decisions. How did I cause its decline?
My achievements as Deputy Minister of Public Health:
I identified that many Thais suffer from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and focused on this issue.
I addressed complaints about many unfinished hospitals, enabling their completion and expansion in Songkhla’s four corners, Singhanakhon, Sadao, Rat Phum, and Hat Yai.
As Minister of Interior, I declared that state land belongs to the state, and people's land belongs to the people. I confronted illegal encroachment at Khao Kradong by influential figures, reclaiming state land. However, progress stalled after my term ended, affecting rightful land use and inheritance.
Regarding local administrative organizations and decentralization, I worked to clarify their powers for effective operation. I also dealt with government economic stimulus budget allocations, which were unfairly distributed for political gain, and political crises prevented completion of reforms.
Distorted politics emerged in several ways during this time, such as:
- Hun Sen toppling a government.
- Allegations of irregularities in the Constitutional Court.
- The People's Party, holding majority votes, supporting Bhumjaithai Party with few seats under conditions detrimental to the nation.
- Reports of collusion in the Senate, posing serious risks, such as appointments to independent organizations if the Senate acts non-transparently.
- Reports of MP vote-buying to induce party switching.
- Media attacks against me sowing division.
I have fought these issues alone and lack sufficient strength. I believe Thailand is protected by sacred forces.
Therefore, I am pausing, not running for election nor joining any political party to declare to Thais my opposition to the current distorted political system.
Information sourced from Mr. Dechism Khaothong’s Facebook.