Abhisit delivered a speech warning the people of Sukhothai that accepting 1,000 baht is equivalent to selling their future at less than 1 baht per day. He pointed out that this is not worth trading four years of time amid corrupt projects, and promoted the policy of "born to die" for comprehensive, tangible social security.
On 22 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime ministerial candidate and leader of the Democrat Party, took the stage in Sukhothai province, advocating a policy to cleanse the country of corruption and increase welfare support for vulnerable groups. He emphasized that electing the Democrat Party means both a clean government and improved quality of life.
Abhisit began by exposing corruption issues, especially involving gray capital groups and scammers threatening the nation. He stated these groups deceive the public to amass power as legal protection shields. Foreign countries strongly disapprove and swiftly seize assets for prosecution, but Thailand is seen globally as slow despite clear money trails. The Democrat Party had previously submitted evidence to investigative agencies, but nothing happened. He said the country cannot continue like this; it must return to integrity so representatives truly serve the people, not gray capital interests.
The Democrat Party leader also offered a reflection to Sukhothai residents about vote-buying: accepting 1,000 baht in exchange for four years equates to selling the future for less than 1 baht per day. This is not worth the loss caused by corruption, which stalls development projects. "Those who buy our votes won’t feel indebted because the transaction ends with money, but the Democrat Party does not operate this way. We want to owe a debt of gratitude to take care of you continuously," he said.
On social policy, Abhisit spoke about the disabled. During his tenure as prime minister, he amended regulations requiring companies employing 100 people to hire at least one disabled person or pay a fine. After this, the disabled fund grew to tens of billions but was underutilized. He reformed it to ensure funds benefit disabled people directly. The goal is to increase employment for disabled persons by creating a new database to identify their locations and job needs. Regarding disability allowances, he noted current payments of 800 baht should be increased to 1,000 baht, and if the Democrat Party forms government, they aim to raise it to 1,600 baht. For disabled persons under 18 receiving 1,000 baht, the plan is to increase to 2,000 baht. They also plan to upgrade government buildings nationwide with ramps and facilities accessible to disabled and elderly people.
The Democrat Party leader concluded by emphasizing that party policies are not mere campaign promises but ongoing efforts under the shared ideal of ensuring life security from birth to death. "Brothers and sisters can trust the Democrat Party because we have already acted on these commitments, united in the belief that everyone deserves a degree of life stability. This does not mean the state provides everything, but at least supports education, employment, and assistance for disabled persons, including allowances and job placement. The Democrat Party government was the first to pass Cabinet resolutions requiring government buildings to be accessible for disabled and elderly people, and we will continue to expand these efforts. When people grow old, there will be income support. All this is achievable if we have the opportunity to govern. Therefore, today I ask you to support the Democrat Party, number 27, to help build an honest country and secure welfare."
