Abhisit urges Thai people to decide the country's future, questioning whether Bhumjaithai dares to declare they will not join a government with Pheu Thai. He expresses disappointment over corruption and the growing dominance of grey capital in Thai politics.
At 18:30 on 11 Jan 2026 at Benjasiri Park, Bangkok, Mr. Korn Chatikavanij, Deputy Leader and Democrat Party prime ministerial candidate, spoke about his decision to return to politics. Referring to the 'Uncle' audio clip, he said after hearing it, he called senior party figures from the previous Democrat Party era to urge immediate withdrawal from the coalition government. However, the person whose voice was on the tape stubbornly held onto their position until a verdict forced a government change. He views this as another low point in politics. Therefore, if given the chance, he will return to serve the people again, coinciding with the return of Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva as party leader.
He cited the Abhisit government era as a period of strong economic performance.
Mr. Korn added that during Mr. Abhisit's tenure as prime minister, both the economy and citizens' incomes improved. Afterwards, however, the economy and incomes declined. Thus, he wants to help the people under the slogan 'Thailand escapes poverty through capable people.' The Democrat Party affirms it will act with integrity and avoid entanglement with grey capital and money laundering networks, refusing to join any government involved with such interests.
Confident in reducing expenses and increasing incomes.
Dr. Kadee Liaoipiroj, Deputy Leader and Democrat Party prime ministerial candidate, spoke about the importance of education for the younger generation. The party has policies to promote education for all citizens, including the 'Thailand escapes poverty through capable people' initiative, which focuses on reducing expenses and increasing incomes. They will utilize technology to open data and design digital infrastructure to make life easier and more convenient for people. Support will be given to SMEs and freelance workers to enter state welfare systems. They will also promote income-generating channels to meet the needs of employees with regular incomes seeking supplementary earnings, thereby increasing opportunities for citizens to contribute economically to the country.
Guaranteeing the Democrat Party as a political institution.
At 19:50, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, party leader and Democrat Party prime ministerial candidate, took the stage amid a warm welcome from citizens presenting flowers and embracing him. He said the Democrat Party is not the party of any one leader or group but comprises diverse individuals united by shared political beliefs and working together. He noted that all 33 Bangkok MPs are significant, joking they are about his age, recalling he ran for office 30 years ago.
Responding to claims that the Democrat Party is in decline.
Mr. Abhisit said there have been derisive remarks that the Democrat Party is near extinction. Upon his return, some said the party was just a gathering of alumni without a future vision. When he decided to come back, he told himself that this time there must be young and new members who decide the country's future and whose vision aligns with Democrat ideology, working together to make it real. Despite claims of decline, today the 33 MPs come from varied professions—doctors, artists, recent graduates—some without political backgrounds but who chose the Democrat Party because they believe in it. . It is now time for them to help the Democrat Party and the country. From his experience, all have passed screening and represent more than a single voice in parliament. These individuals will address the people's problems and will not allow parliament to be like the previous two terms.
Highlighting corruption and grey capital in Thai politics.
Mr. Abhisit added that political parties are not businesses subject to anyone's command but must reflect the country's diverse realities. He revealed the T-shirt he was wearing today to the public—a gray shirt with black letters saying “Gray Shirt” and in blue letters, “But Not a Gray Person” He explained this symbolizes the decline in Thai politics due to corruption and grey capital. He wants to restore the country to integrity before addressing other issues.
Because if “Grey capital remains, good capital will not come.” The best ones to combat grey capital are the voters in the upcoming 8 February election. Integrity must start with politicians to enable citizens to thrive and progress.
8 February to decide the country's future.
Thus, as 8 February approaches, Mr. Abhisit said he does not know what will happen but is certain society cannot overlook the Democrat Party. The party will determine the country's political course by breaking the cycle of grey capital and establishing an honest nation. Whether success is achieved will depend on the 33 MPs, who must succeed without ministers, deputy prime ministers, or prime ministers protecting grey capital.
Refusing to allow sensitive issues to create division.
Mr. Abhisit said the country has endured much division, including repeated denigration of key national institutions. Therefore, besides rejecting grey capital and corruption and improving the economy, he refuses to let sensitive issues be politicized to sow discord. While prime minister, he addressed problems with enforcing Section 112 (lèse-majesté law), but since then no one has accused him of being disloyal. “Disloyalty” He explained that his actions stemmed from love and a desire to protect the institution. Regarding amnesty, there has been no clear answer, as those prosecuted come from various categories. During his government, screening committees were established. Now, divisions are being exploited politically. People have differing opinions, but he emphasizes that the country's key institutions must be above politics.
Jabs at the People’s Party, challenges Bhumjaithai to clarify stance.
Mr. Abhisit continued, saying the blue and orange parties are competing. He mentioned the cessation of MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) negotiations. The People’s Party leader says he will not support Anutin as prime minister nor join the government but never said they would refuse to invite the blue party. Yet the Democrat Party is being questioned and targeted. If they say they won't join a certain party, people assume they will choose another. It is strange that Bhumjaithai dares to distort his interview statements from yesterday and asks whether he has closed the door to joining Pheu Thai or the People’s Party. He has clearly stated that if corruption, grey capital, and division exist, they will reject all.
“We have fought the Thaksin regime from the start and will continue to do so,” he said. But if the Democrat Party is said to reject Pheu Thai, some accuse them of causing division. As he said, “The door is not closed, but if the Thaksin regime’s hand reaches in, I will bite it off immediately.”
Regarding any party that dares claim the Democrat Party is aligning with Pheu Thai and disappointing people in the south who the party pledges to care for, he asked, “Do you dare tell the people in the south that you reject Pheu Thai?” He challenged them to declare whether they reject Pheu Thai or the Democrat Party, saying if they can do so, they will certainly be in opposition.
