Election 2026: “Abhisit” ignores “Thammanat,” asserts the Democrat Party never underestimates other parties nor looks down on anyone. He pledges to work hard to earn public trust, determined to overcome challenges, and invites citizens to unite against vote-buying.
20 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and prime ministerial candidate, commented on a poll showing that in this election, vote-buying in Bangkok reaches up to 7,500 baht per person, urging the public to join the fight against this. “On 8 February, let's prove this together. I believe the public, organizations, and even the business sector are already alert,” he said. “If we allow money to buy power, protection, or the justice process, the country will go nowhere. The general public is increasingly aware that corruption begins with vote-buying, which undermines opportunities for the country and its people. I still hope the public will join hands to fight this issue themselves,” he added.
. Captain Thammanat Prompao, advisor to the Kla Party and prime ministerial candidate, said some people want to be prime minister so badly they tremble, but questioned whether they would actually win 25 seats this election. Mr. Abhisit responded, “That is Captain Thammanat's opinion. I do not know.”
Regarding the poll results and the increasing public response during campaign visits, Mr. Abhisit expressed gratitude, “We have been warmly welcomed everywhere, but there is still time left. We will continue to work hard and will not underestimate any party or boast. We will work diligently to earn as much public trust as possible.”
When asked again whether he thinks he can withstand the pressures and attacks expected in the final campaign stretch, Mr. Abhisit laughed before replying, “We try to ride the wave to the fullest and will overcome the attacks.”