Abhisit revealed that the Democrat Party is not struggling to become the government, but if approached, they are willing to talk, emphasizing the condition that there must be no Kla Party, dark money, or manipulation involved. He challenged the 58-seat party on why no one is courting them and confirmed that the Democrat Party’s first task in parliament is to examine ministers’ ethical issues.
On 20 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, spoke on the program “Kammakorn Khao Kuy Nok Cho” about the party’s clear role as opposition in parliament. He said he has not formally declared this because, per party procedures, the authority lies with the executive committee and party MPs, who have preliminarily agreed to remain passive. However, if approached, they are open to discussions, adhering to the principle of honoring promises to the public under coalition conditions that exclude the Kla Party, dark money, domination, or conflicts arising from dark money. The party holds information on these matters.
“I am not struggling because a political party must be ready to serve as either opposition or government. Currently, the Democrat Party is a small party with a clear stance. The reason for not clearly declaring opposition is because it would be too burdensome,” he said.
When asked about his view on this government formation round, Abhisit said the Bhumjaithai Party has the majority, enabling a stable government. Even without the Kla Party in the coalition, they have over 290 seats to form the government, while the opposition has 210 seats, a large difference. Regarding the rationale for including the Kla Party with 58 seats, he sees it as a strategy to prevent the Pheu Thai Party from causing disruptions or withdrawing. The Kla Party’s 58 seats carry more weight compared to the Democrat Party’s 22 seats. Pheu Thai has 74 seats, so adding Democrat’s 22 seats remains difficult, but including the Kla Party’s 58 seats could offset Pheu Thai’s influence. If problems arise, Bhumjaithai would remain unaffected. He believes Bhumjaithai has no need to rush forming a government as no competing party is attempting to do so; even staying still grants them the highest bargaining power.
Regarding earlier responses from Kla Party leaders countering the Democrat Party’s refusal to cooperate, and telling them to wait and see, Abhisit said it is not a problem. He also told them to wait and see, questioning why a party with 58 MPs is not being courted by others. He admitted that before the election, Kla Party claimed they would set the government’s direction, but with only 22 MPs, the Democrat Party cannot do that. However, since the people have given them this number, they are ready to perform their duties, including scrutinizing dark money and opposing divisive policies. Their first task will be to submit inquiries into ministers with ethical issues—not as a tool to use the Constitutional Court to destroy or harass opponents, but because when the constitution provides mechanisms to investigate proven wrongdoing, they must be pursued. If approached to join a government that includes ministers under ethical inquiry, he will not join. The Democrat Party is prepared to be a political force that rigorously monitors to establish political standards.
Cautioning the government not to become overconfident despite full control.
When asked to assess the political direction moving forward, Abhisit said that whether the election proceeds smoothly or requires a re-vote, it is unlikely to change the government’s numerical strength. Regarding whether the government will complete its full term, he believes that if they avoid causing problems, wrongdoing, or self-sabotage, they can last the full term.
Regarding analyses that the government might survive scrutiny by independent bodies, Abhisit said if that happens, it will build up negative sentiments. He is not concerned about the government having over 300 seats, but complete control over senators, independent organizations, and courts is dangerous as it could be seen as excessive power. Regardless of whether the government is conservative or otherwise, complacency due to great power could eventually lead to a turning point and downfall.