Abhisit toured to seek votes for party candidates at the Ratchawat morning market, then at noon targeted office workers in Asok Montri, urging all parties to amend the constitution without touching chapters 1 and 2, and pushing to appoint "external observers" before Thailand-Cambodia discussions.
At 07:00 on 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, led party executives to support Mr. Pongpol Temi, candidate for MP Bangkok District 7, No. 1, meeting residents of Ratchawat, Bangkok, to seek votes for the 8 Feb 2026 GMT+7 election. Along the route, vendors and locals greeted him warmly; many expressed joy and excitement to meet him, offering encouragement on his political return. Most promised they had awaited his party leadership return for years and were ready to vote Democrat this election.
At noon, targeting office workers in the Asok Montri area.
At 12:00 on the same day, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva and Mr. Sakolthee Phattiyakul, deputy party leader overseeing Bangkok, visited Ruamsap Market in Asok Montri, Bangkok, to campaign for Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, Democrat candidate for MP Bangkok District 4, No. 1. The atmosphere was lively with many office workers having lunch in the market, many taking out phones to take souvenir photos. Mr. Abhisit said party momentum was as expected but needed to increase further. Confidence was high in the south, while other areas required more effort. Regarding coalition formation, he stated clearly that if their votes suffice to join government, they would guarantee a government committed to serious anti-corruption, tackling shadow capital, avoiding division, and preventing corruption.
Calling on all parties to amend the constitution without touching chapters 1 and 2.
On constitutional amendment, Mr. Abhisit said the party has a clear policy: although the 2017 constitution passed a referendum, issues remain with Article 256. Despite agreements between Bhumjaithai and the Democrat Party, the amendment failed. He regretted that attempts to amend Article 256, which had parliamentary consensus not to amend chapters 1 and 2, did not specify that the new draft would leave these chapters untouched. He urged all parties that had agreed in parliament to declare the same, so voters would be assured when voting in favor.
Pushing to appoint "external observers" before Thailand-Cambodia talks.
Asked about resolving the Thailand-Cambodia border ceasefire, Mr. Abhisit said the ceasefire is starting, and the next crucial step is negotiations. The Democrat Party’s stance is to establish guarantees preventing sovereignty violations, especially from Cambodia. He proposed appointing outside observers to operate inside Cambodian territory to monitor and ensure no movement of heavy weaponry that might affect the ceasefire agreement. Building trust here would allow broader negotiations beyond the ceasefire to proceed, restoring peaceful bilateral relations. He acknowledged the conflict's impact on civilians and affirmed Thai sovereignty must not be violated. He believes successful ceasefire maintenance and negotiations would open the door to sustainable economic recovery locally and nationally, as clear security and sovereignty are fundamental to economic confidence.
Visiting Central Rama 2 Market, locals embrace him saying, "Don't leave again."
At 17:30 at the market in front of Central Rama 2 (Green Day Market and Piboonwit 4 Market), Mr. Abhisit campaigned for Ms. Monthathip Thipayathanapat (Benz), candidate for MP District 28, No. 2, Bang Bon-Bang Khun Thian. He met residents along the route; people of all ages greeted him warmly, shaking hands, taking photos, and offering strong support. Passersby, taxi drivers, conductors, and shoppers warmly grasped his hand, expressing joy at his full-time political return and urging him not to leave again, saying they always wait for him. Young adults and workers greeted him in a friendly manner. At a bus stop, people followed him onto a pedestrian bridge to take photos and express gratitude, saying their children completed education thanks to his free education policy, reflecting the Democrat Party’s efforts. Alongside this warm atmosphere, vendors and locals admitted they previously voted for other parties but now decided to return to vote for the Democrat Party, candidate No. 27, impressed by Abhisit and his team's commitment.
Photo: Ekkalak Mainoi