“Abhisit” led the campaign team into Thonburi, sounded the victory bell, and emphasized the position of a “safe path forward,” confident in managing the formation of an honest government. Meanwhile, the Democrat Party revealed a touching story of a young man who rode a motorcycle 113 km across provinces to hear “Mark’s” speech at a rally.
At 07:00 on 5 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, accompanied by Mr. Sakolthee Pattiyakul, deputy party leader, and Ms. Mariya Ruedee, candidate for Bangkok MP, District 24 (Thonburi-Khlong San-Ratchaburana), number 7, campaigned continuously during the final stretch before the election. They paid respects at the King Taksin the Great monument and rang the victory bell before meeting residents, receiving a warm welcome from the Thonburi community.
He emphasized that this election is an “opportunity” to break free from the crisis.
Mr. Abhisit explained the party’s communication strategy at this stage, saying that while all parties are highlighting their strengths, the Democrat Party focuses on communicating that this election is a critical chance for Thailand to break free from recurring problems such as corruption crises, a long-stalled economy, and social division.
“If we continue to view elections as just a four-year cycle competition without caution, the situation in the next four years may worsen. Therefore, the Democrat Party offers itself as a ‘safe path forward,’ fully prepared with clear policies, capable personnel, and a firm political stance.”
Regarding the new party leadership’s work over the past four months, Mr. Abhisit acknowledged tight time constraints but said the response has far exceeded expectations, thanking the public for their support. However, hard work remains both in the days leading up to the election and afterward, with the party ready to work diligently until the very last minute.
He criticized politics based on “demeaning and division.”
Concerning conflicts at political rallies in the southern region involving exchanges between parties, Mr. Abhisit said he hopes for competition focused on offering solutions rather than denigration. He expressed concern over some parties’ rhetoric that fosters division among local groups, which should not occur in a democracy.
Mr. Abhisit reaffirmed that the Democrat Party is ready to control the game in the next government to assure the public that the new administration will seriously combat corruption and gray capital, build an honest nation, drive economic growth, and seek solutions to political conflicts.
Asked about confidence in the number of MPs the party will win and whether being courted by others is a factor, Mr. Abhisit said he prefers not to speculate on numbers but called on the public to empower the party, assuring they can fulfill this role. He acknowledged that declaring in advance the intent to control the government regardless of coalition might deter invitations from other parties, but added that if voters give strong support, others will have no choice.
A young man from Tak rode a motorcycle 113 km from Si Racha district to hear Abhisit’s speech.
In another story revealed by the Democrat Party, Mr. Sakda Kanongphaiwan, a Pakayaw ethnic young man from Tak province working in Si Racha, Chonburi, upon learning about Abhisit’s speech via his Facebook page, decided without hesitation to attend. After work at 13:00, he rode his motorcycle more than 113 km through heat and traffic to reach Silom Park in Bangkok by 15:00, hoping to secure a front-row spot to meet the political role model he admires.
Mr. Sakda opened up about his admiration’s origins, saying he has followed the work of Mr. Chuan Leekpai and Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva since he was in grade 7, with the farmer income guarantee policy truly transforming his family’s life.
“My home in Tha Song Yang district, Tak, is a corn-growing area. My family has genuinely benefited from this policy. It was tangible help that improved our lives,” Sakda said with a smile, adding that basic policies like school milk, school lunch, and student loans have also continuously benefited his younger siblings. This made him feel the Democrat Party and Abhisit’s sincere commitment to public service.
When asked about his feelings seeing Abhisit return to a significant role, Sakda admitted feeling excited, happy, and hopeful, emphasizing that sincerity is what keeps his confidence unshaken.
“I feel he is a politician sincere with the people. His policies truly benefit Thais. I didn’t come just to listen to the speech, but to encourage Prime Minister Abhisit, my favorite politician since grade 7. He is a politician of integrity and honesty. I want him to have the strength to keep fighting for us.”