“Abhisit” led the Democrat Party team to campaign in Sathorn, supporting “Jesada,” confident that the party’s momentum is reviving across Thailand. He pointed out that Pheu Thai’s policy of “Getting Rich Every Day: 9 Million Baht to 9 People” is uneven and unsustainable. He kept the “final strategy” for the last stretch secret and declined to criticize other parties.
At 07:00 on 24 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, party leader, and Mr. Korn Chatikavanij, deputy leader and two Democrat Party prime ministerial candidates, along with Mr. Sakolthee Phattiyakul, deputy leader overseeing Bangkok, and Ms. Oranong Karnchanchusak, former Bangkok MP, joined a campaign to support Mr. Jesada Lertthanasarn, Democrat candidate for Bangkok’s 2nd district (Sathorn-Pathumwan-Ratchathewi), candidate number 11. They toured Sathorn district by campaign vehicle and walked to introduce themselves at the Teochew Association Sathorn, warmly welcomed by local residents. They joined a tea gathering of elderly men at the association and played badminton with health enthusiasts exercising there in the morning. Afterwards, they proceeded to the Saint Louis Market and walked through the morning market to campaign, energizing the market where vendors and shoppers showed support and cheered for the party to form a government focused on combating corruption and shadow capital. Along the way, a woman showed campaign photos of Mr. Abhisit at age 27, when he first ran for MP as candidate number 1 among three Democrat candidates in the district, and asked to take a photo to encourage him to return as government leader.
Mr. Abhisit commented on the overall response to the Democrat Party in the final campaign phase: We continue to campaign actively, especially in the Eastern region’s four provinces. Yesterday, we received better-than-expected support. Previously, many thought Democrat support was limited to the South, but now we see many people in Bangkok, the East, and even northern provinces like Sukhothai affirming they will return to vote Democrat. Compared to previous elections, the reaction in Bangkok is much better. Although scientific polls estimating MP numbers remain uncertain due to possible disconnects between party lists and constituency results, the campaign atmosphere boosts our morale significantly.
, , Regarding Pheu Thai’s policy of “Getting Rich Every Day: 9 Million Baht to 9 People,” whether it is feasible or worthwhile, Mr. Abhisit said that while it might be possible to implement practically, from a public policy and economic benefit perspective it raises questions. He noted that an annual budget exceeding 3 billion baht, if used to give people a chance to get rich quickly—9 people daily—may not be as worthwhile as investing in developing people’s potential.
“If it is to be done, it probably can be. But I consider the rationale in public policy and economic benefit. Roughly, 9 million baht a day adds up to more than 3 billion a year. I think that giving 3,000 baht to a million people to improve their skills would be better. We believe that while some might feel they have a chance to get rich immediately—9 people daily—in reality, in terms of the overall economy, sustainability, and fairness, it would be better to use that money differently,” Mr. Abhisit said.
When asked if the Democrat Party would unveil any final campaign strategy, Mr. Abhisit said the party has both policy initiatives and political approaches deemed important, which they plan to communicate further but would not disclose details at this time. When pressed about Pheu Thai’s claim that they have fought the Democrat Party for 13 years, winning every time while the Democrat Party has shrunk, and now they are contesting against the “blue” party without announcing alliances, implying readiness to collaborate with any party, Mr. Abhisit responded.
Mr. Abhisit said that question should be directed to them, then laughed and noted that he understands Pheu Thai has often stated on stage they are ready to work with all parties. When asked if Pheu Thai seems to attack the “orange” party but appears more cooperative with the “blue” party, Mr. Abhisit replied he does not know and it is their choice and right. The Democrat Party remains committed to presenting an honest and constructive approach to serve as a main choice for the people.
