At a major Democrat Party rally ahead of the 2026 election, Korn raised the flag against corruption, warning that allowing shadow capital threatens to collapse Thailand’s entire system. He declared that the Democrat Party has nothing to lose and is ready to change the political game in Thailand, pushing Abhisit to be prime minister instead of simply backing him as a candidate for PM themselves. The party aims to shift the political landscape.
6 Feb 2026 GMT+7 Korn Jatikavanich, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party and prime ministerial candidate, said on stage at the major Democrat Party rally held at One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok, he admitted that his decision to return to politics stemmed from growing frustration with Thai political problems. A turning point was a video clip revealing the country's leadership's unsuitability, prompting him to immediately call senior coalition party leaders to urge a political stance review.
Korn stated that despite hopes for political accountability, no changes occurred until the Constitutional Court ruled the former prime minister guilty of serious misconduct, which finally led to change. He said politics is filled with secret deals, conditions, and vested interests, which are the root of the country's crisis. Investigations, especially into financial flows and money laundering networks, revealed links between “shadow capital” and political power. He warned that if this continues for another 3–4 years, Thailand’s financial credibility could collapse, and foreign financial institutions might refuse transactions with Thailand.
“This is why I had to come back. Even though at that time there was no clear path, today we have an opportunity.” He acknowledged that this election is his sixth and the most challenging, with stakes higher than ever. The party has only three months to prepare and must start from scratch. However, he emphasized that the Democrat Party has nothing to lose but is a significant force. The most formidable opponent is someone with nothing to lose, as they will hold fast to ideology and righteousness without fear.
Korn continued his speech at the first debate where Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader, had firmly declared he would not join a government with any party lacking integrity. Korn sent Abhisit a brief message saying, “You’re crazy,” meaning he had never seen such boldness. When a leader shows such determination, it energizes the party.
Immediately, the party secretary called a meeting with the executive committee. For the first time in the party’s history, everyone in the meeting spontaneously stood and applauded the leader’s stance without debate. This became the party’s unchangeable position: to not join any government with parties lacking credibility on integrity, and to fully confront shadow capital and corruption. The executive committee supported this unanimously without a formal vote, agreeing that this is the path to follow.
Korn stressed that the biggest challenge in this election is the fight against corrupt politics and shadow capital. Without addressing political dishonesty, no matter how good the policies are, the country’s problems cannot be truly solved. “If we don’t fight for integrity, no matter how beautiful the policies, they won’t help the country.” He added that the Democrat Party believes in setting its own political agenda rather than following old formulas or deals. The party’s clear stance has already caused political ripples within 24 hours, prompting many parties to respond with transparency measures, showing that Thai politics can change with courage and clarity.
Korn then described the country’s overall situation: while foreigners see Thailand as a livable country and a global destination, Thai people face daily struggles with livelihoods, inequality, and corruption. The country has immense potential and opportunities, but bad politics hold it back. With honest politics and capable leadership, Thailand could advance much further.
Over the past three months, the Democrat Party has invited academics, experts, and young people from various sectors to brainstorm. Even those not party members but knowledgeable are welcomed, as the goal is solving national problems. The party has prepared over 200 policies covering the economy, livelihoods, and national structure, focusing on three main areas:
1. Reform outdated bureaucracy and laws, reduce obstacles for citizens and businesses, and use digital technology to improve public services to make the government faster, transparent, and accountable.
2. Build a fair competitive economy, ensuring all entrepreneurs have equal opportunities, reducing monopolies and corruption to attract investors and build confidence.
3. Restructure energy and new industries, promote clean energy, allow households and private sectors to produce electricity, such as rooftop solar, increase transparency in electricity costs, reduce public burden, and push future industries.
“The ultimate goal is for people’s incomes to rise, young people to have good jobs, and the state to have revenue from a growing economy to support the vulnerable.”
Korn said the remaining time before the election is a crucial opportunity for the public to decide the country’s future. He emphasized that more people are opening their minds and considering new political options daily. He urged those undecided or with undecided acquaintances to ask themselves a simple question: Who do you trust to govern the country?
“This election is not just about policies but about choosing who will hold power on our behalf. Trust is the most important factor. The country’s leader must be honest, without conflicts of interest, and able to convince the people that decisions will be made for the country, not for themselves or their allies.”
Amid economic challenges, livelihood issues, and volatile global geopolitics, Thailand needs a leader credible internationally who can represent the country with dignity, especially as Thailand prepares for a significant role in ASEAN and international cooperation. When Thailand negotiates abroad or attends global meetings, people want a representative who is trusted by the public, not one surrounded by allegations.
If people are honest with their feelings, the answer about who is most suitable will be clear. Korn reaffirmed his support for Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat Party leader, as an honest and experienced leader. Ultimately, the answer is simple: trust those who have proven their integrity, like Abhisit Vejjajiva.