Chuan Leekpai points out the Democrat Party's improving momentum day by day after Abhisit's comeback, expecting party-list votes to multiply several times. He warns of severe vote-buying and urges the Ministry of Interior to control local administrators so they do not become political instruments of power.
On 6 Feb 2026 GMT+7 at One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok, the Democrat Party held a major rally after announcing their candidates for all 33 Bangkok constituencies. A video clip was shown of Chuan Leekpai, the party-list candidate for the Democrat Party, who is currently campaigning continuously in Trang province in the south. After more than 50 days of nationwide campaigning, he revealed that public response to the Democrat Party has clearly improved, especially after restructuring the party leadership and with Abhisit Vejjajiva returning as party leader, causing popularity to multiply.
Chuan said that in this party-list system, he believes the party will gain multiple times more seats compared to the last election when it won only three seats, due to increased public confidence. By nature, most political parties cannot buy votes as easily in the party-list system as in constituency races.
However, some villagers, especially in the Northeast, have reported that certain parties are attempting to buy votes in the party-list system at 100 baht per vote, reflecting ongoing political problems that require vigilance.
Regarding constituency elections, Chuan admitted that the new party executive committee had limited time to prepare, making candidate selection difficult and understandable. However, after campaigning alongside many candidates and seeing their potential and dedication, combined with the party's improving trend, he believes many constituencies have a good chance of winning if they can overcome vote-buying problems.
“What is worrisome is that this vote-buying is more intense than before, done by the same groups using business-like methods focused on money. If our candidates can overcome this obstacle, they have a chance to win; if not, it will be difficult,” Chuan said.
Nevertheless, Chuan noted a positive sign from some citizens who are beginning to reject vote-buying politics, often saying: “Take the bait but not the hook.” Even though personally, I do not want people to accept either the bait or the hook.
At the same time, Chuan has sent a letter to the Ministry of Interior requesting that provincial governors and local officials nationwide be instructed not to become tools in vote-buying processes. He also sent three letters to village health volunteers and the Deputy Prime Minister, urging state officials to maintain neutrality and to protect the honor of the many good civil servants still serving.
Chuan also emphasized that Thailand needs politicians who uphold honesty and integrity, proven through real work. He praised Abhisit as a leader with a transparent track record and who adheres to good governance principles.
“The country can only move forward with honesty, not with the power of money. I want the people to choose good individuals and the Democrat Party so that politics can return to principled foundations,” Chuan said.