“Abhisit” seeks Bangkok’s District 3 to be the “4 Abhis” district by fielding “Apimuk” to win the election; warns against using nationalism and border issues in competition. Democrat Party spokesman thanks Songkhla residents as polls show nearly four times lead over rivals. “Chaiyachana” campaigns in Samut Sakhon, knocking on doors to seek support for votes.
At 10:30 a.m. on 4 Jan 2026, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and party’s prime ministerial candidate, led party executives to knock on doors seeking votes for Mr. Apimuk Chantavanich, the Democrat Party candidate for Bangkok’s District 3 (number 3) covering Bang Kho Laem and Yannawa areas, at Soi Charoen Krung 103 (Rim Khlong Market). Residents warmly welcomed them, showing photos of Mr. Apirak Kosayothin and Mr. Apimuk from when they were district councilors here, and a signature from Abhisit signed in 2007, saying they have been Democrat Party fans for a long time, “longing and waiting for the party’s return.” Abhisit said he feels a strong connection to this area as it was his political starting point when he first became an MP. This district is considered the “Abhi” district because he was the first MP here, M.L. Apimongkol was also an MP, and former Bangkok governor Apirak is the third “Abhi.” He wants a fourth “Abhi” in Apimuk, and ideally a fifth, Apinihan, to bring victory.
Regarding the NIDA Poll in Songkhla showing the Democrat Party’s prime ministerial candidate and MPs leading with 40.67% support, Abhisit thanked the people of Songkhla. On 3 Jan, he visited Hat Yai District and met Songkhla residents eager for a government to restore Hat Yai and seriously address various provincial issues. On concerns raised by some parties about early voting registration potentially enabling vote-buying, he urged the Election Commission to clarify this issue, noting previous concerns that early voting rules are less strict than on election day. When asked about Democrat leader Nipit Intarasombat’s claim of contact attempts to buy votes for a candidate nicknamed “Ajarn” to be prime minister if elected MP, Abhisit laughed and said there are many with that nickname and suggested asking Nipit directly. He added Nipit had not formally reported anything to him and he only knew from the news.
When asked if he worries about money being used in the election, Abhisit said he is not concerned because he knows what to expect. He stressed efforts to restore honest politics, preventing the parliament’s image from being one of handing benefits to MPs, lack of party discipline, and factionalism, which erode public trust in politics. On stirring public sentiment to choose sides politically, he urged voters to select what is best for the country. Regarding the use of nationalism and Thai-Cambodian border issues as campaign tools, Abhisit said the public appreciates the military’s good operations and thanked the government for allowing the military to work fully. However, going forward, the government faces tougher foreign affairs challenges to ensure sacrifices made are not wasted or reversed. He called on all parties to unite on this issue rather than dividing and competing for political gain.
Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, spokesperson for the Democrat Party, expressed gratitude to the people for the NIDA Poll on the 2026 election in Songkhla, which reflects rising popularity of the Democrat Party, leading nearly four times ahead of competitors. The party thanks the public for their encouragement and trust, which motivates more careful and serious work. The party does not view the poll results as a political victory but as a reminder that many voters are still watching, waiting for proof, and have yet to decide. The party respects all opinions and is ready to prove itself through action rather than words or rhetoric. It affirms readiness to listen to all voices and to serve with honesty, professionalism, and responsibility for the trust given. The party thanks all supporters again and pledges to work hard to meet the hopes of the people who support the Democrat Party.
In Samut Sakhon Province, Mr. Chaiyachana Deddecho, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, visited communities near Wat Noi Nang Hong and Wat Chi Pa Khao in Tha Chin Subdistrict, Mueang District, to assist Mr. Phakmeth Theerasilawet, Democrat candidate for Samut Sakhon District 1, number 2. He introduced himself and sought votes for the candidate and the party, also offering New Year 2026 greetings to residents.
Mr. Chaiyachana said he came to support the Democrat candidate for Samut Sakhon District 1, emphasizing fisheries issues since Samut Sakhon is a major fishing province. The Democrat Party has policies to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and supports issuing licenses through a one-stop service. The party also has policies to tackle pollution problems affecting locals. If elected, the party will focus on labor welfare and management for both Thai and foreign workers.
“In this election, the Democrat Party promotes the policy ‘Thailand Against the Gray Capital.’ We aim to build honest politics together. I believe it is time for all Thais to unite to create new strength, suppress gray-area politics, and build a new political culture by trusting leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. I ask for votes from all citizens in Samut Sakhon to support our candidates and the Democrat Party,” said Mr. Chaiyachana.
