“Abhisit” assisted party candidates in campaigning on a weekend morning across three Bangkok districts, reaffirming the Democrat Party’s position by raising the banner of honest politics as a hope for Thai society. He advised the government to use proactive diplomacy to pressure Cambodia over its increased border troop deployments.
18 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, party leader and Democrat Party prime ministerial candidate, together with Mr. Sakolthee Phattiyakul, deputy party leader responsible for Bangkok, joined a campaign supporting Democrat candidates for the Bangkok House of Representatives in three constituencies at Suan Luang Rama IX Park: Mr. Kitphon Cherdchookijkul in Constituency 21 covering Prawet and Saphan Sung districts; Mr. Print Thongpussa in Constituency 22 covering Suan Luang and part of Prawet (Nong Bon subdistrict); and Ms. Wee Sriworathanaboon in Constituency 23 covering Phra Khanong and Bang Na districts, from 06:30 to 09:00.
Mr. Abhisit and his team walked to meet health-conscious locals while a running event was underway in the park. Many exercisers and runners greeted them warmly, shaking hands, offering encouragement, and requesting photos. Afterwards, they walked to introduce candidates at the Yusakhad Market in Bang Bon subdistrict, Prawet district, where many morning market shoppers warmly welcomed and supported them.
Mr. Abhisit later said he received feedback from citizens expressing a desire for the party to be a reliable hope in combating gray-area capital groups. Regarding government formation, he said that if the public entrusts the Democrat Party, the most important condition for joining a government is integrity. He has consistently emphasized that the government must firmly combat corruption, operate independently without domination, and most importantly, foster unity rather than create societal division.
When asked about the tense situation along the Thai-Cambodian border with reports of Cambodia increasing troop numbers, Mr. Abhisit said, "We must show the world that we have no intention to invade but seek peace. I propose a positive solution focusing on proactive diplomacy as the key. The government should use international platforms to pressure Cambodia to halt troop and heavy weapon reinforcements, as such actions risk violating the already fragile ceasefire agreement."
Regarding preparedness for possible renewed clashes, Mr. Abhisit affirmed that self-defense is a necessary duty. He is ready to fully support enhancing the military’s capabilities to ensure national sovereignty is protected. However, the ultimate goal is to achieve long-term peace so that border communities, recently able to return home, can live in stability and security.
