“Abhisit” visited Bangkok’s 20th district to campaign for Democrat Party candidates, aiming for sustainable economic recovery. He pointed out the need for a major social security system overhaul to accommodate new demographic structures. Plans include campaigning in the South, emphasizing a refusal to support vote-buying practices.
At 07:00 on 25 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and prime ministerial candidate, together with Mr. Sakolthee Phattiyakul, deputy party leader overseeing Bangkok, campaigned to support Mr. Ratsak Sukying, the Democrat Party candidate for Bangkok’s 20th electoral district—Lat Krabang area (excluding Lam Pla Thio subdistrict)—at Kriengkai Market, Romklao Housing, and listened to concerns from residents in Lat Krabang. In his speech, he emphasized that this election is a critical opportunity to change the country through quality politics and presented plans to reform the social security system and establish a long-term economic strategy for sustainable stability.
After meeting with the public, Mr. Abhisit said he appreciated the warm welcome, reflecting the strong bond between the party and Bangkok residents. In the final stretch of the election, sensational issues often dominate, but he urged people to focus on long-term sustainable change. He stressed serious support for those who will fight corruption and those with long-term economic plans. From visiting markets, both owners and vendors agreed that stimulus measures have only short-term effects; once they end, conditions return to quiet stagnation. Without sustainable economic growth, people’s incomes will not rise. Therefore, he called on everyone to be more serious about the country’s long-term future in this final period.
When asked about the current social security issue in the spotlight, Mr. Abhisit said it was also discussed during debates. The Democrat Party’s long-term policy is to transform the Social Security Office (SSO) into an independent agency to professionally manage its vast fund with maximum transparency. The public has expressed concern over oversight problems related to managing insured persons’ accumulated funds, which requires a nearly complete review. Issues include the fact that insured persons pay for their own social security and taxes to support the 30-baht healthcare system, yet sometimes have fewer benefits. The party proposes integrating them into the universal health coverage system, while contributions would focus on other areas like old-age support, which would be better.
When pressed on whether a full overhaul is necessary given the social security system’s serious problems, Mr. Abhisit agreed, noting that investigations have raised public concerns about the management of funds paid into the system, which has significant issues. However, the entire system’s foundation must be reviewed in light of demographic changes and inequality problems. Currently, disbursements are not progressive in nature, so a major restructuring is required.
Meanwhile, Mr. Abhisit revealed plans to campaign in the South in early February, noting he has not visited the region for some time. He will visit Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Trang provinces, and on 26 January will go to Surat Thani and Chumphon to reaffirm a commitment to honest politics. Despite strong local competition, he is confident in the public’s strength as a safeguard against corruption. He emphasized repeatedly not to vote for those who buy votes and said there are encouraging signs that the public is increasingly alert and determined in making decisions for their future.
