On the 80th anniversary of the Democrat Party, a three-religion merit-making event was held. Abhisit Vejjajiva pledged to revive the "Blue Academy" and "Blue Camp" programs to nurture a new generation of politicians to carry on the party's legacy. Meanwhile, the Bhumjaithai Party presented a flower vase through Eknat, a Democrat Party alumnus, to offer congratulations.
At 08:15 on 6 April 2026, the Democrat Party (DP) held an 80th-anniversary merit-making ceremony featuring three religious rites: an Islamic du'a prayer, a Brahmin ceremony honoring Phra Mae Thoranee Bieb Muem—the party's emblem—and a Buddhist ceremony with nine monks invited from Wat Thepsirintrawas Ratchaworawihan. Party leaders attending included Abhisit Vejjajiva, party leader and party-list MP; Chaiwut Bannawat, party secretary-general; Chuan Leekpai, party-list MP; Banyat Banthatthan, former party leader; along with current and former MPs and party members. The party's front courtyard was filled with attendees. On the party's parking lot, tents were set up serving halal and other savory, sweet foods and beverages.
According to reporters, representatives from the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) led by Energy Minister Eknat Phromphan, Songkhla MP and Deputy Transport Minister Sanphet Boonyamanee, Songkhla MP Somyot Plaiduang, and party-list MP Romtham Khamnuk, as well as representatives from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) led by party-list MP Phakathorn Thienchai, presented flower vases to extend their congratulations.
The party published a commemorative illustrated Democrat Party record book authored by Chuan and distributed amulets of Luang Pho Sothon and Luang Pu Thuat as souvenirs to attendees of the 80th-anniversary event.
Following this, Abhisit and party leaders opened a permanent souvenir shop named "Good Things," located on the party office’s grassy lawn. During the opening ceremony, Abhisit spoke about the year-long activities planned to celebrate the 80th anniversary. He said that beyond religious ceremonies, the party’s 80-year history underscores the importance of ideology, steadfast honesty, and dedication to serving the country and its people, values passed down through multiple generations of politicians. He added that he is the first party leader younger than the party itself, a rarity today, underscoring the institution's longevity beyond individuals. He expressed confidence that the new generation of members will carry on this ideology. The 80th anniversary is not just a look back but a milestone for moving forward under the theme “80 Years Democrat Party: A New Political Institution for Everyone.” Activities throughout the year include evening social gatherings inviting former youth Democrats and those trained by the party who now contribute meaningfully to society. The party will also award the “Blue Award” to outstanding young leaders who completed party training and have made notable societal contributions. Monthly activities will mark the celebration.
In May, the party will launch “Blue House,” a reliable anti-corruption center equipped with a Digital Tracking system to monitor status. It will also present a dashboard to scrutinize government performance, enabling public participation in monitoring national KPIs aligned with announced policies.
In June, the “Blue Academy” will debut a new political training program aimed at developing a quality new generation of politicians committed to ideology and attuned to global developments.
In July, the “Young Blue Camp: The Power of the New Generation Driving the Country” will be held, featuring idea-sharing activities among Young Blue members nationwide to shape future-oriented policies.
In August, “Equality for All” will see opposition MPs, party representatives, and young teams engage with civil society representatives across the country to listen to public feedback.
September's theme, “Corruption Pulse: Checking the Pulse of Corruption,” marks an intensified anti-corruption campaign with academic seminars, legal amendment proposals, and declarations of integrity by the party and its members. The party also plans a “Homecoming Democrat Party: Everyone’s Blue Home” event to reunite former members, leaders, and collaborators with current members and the new generation for discussions and socializing.
In October, “Tangible History” will feature seminars and exhibitions exploring the party's significant role in democratic history. Late in the month, activities will monitor the IMF general meeting held in Thailand.
November will host the “Liberal International Economic Forum,” co-hosted by the Democrat Party to present liberal economic visions in a global context and to build international cooperation networks.
December's “Human Rights Festival” will campaign on human rights, gender equality, and the rights of marginalized groups through forums and field activities.
In January 2027, “Technology for People” will showcase a revamped Democrat Party integrating technology into operations and promoting digital economy policies to enhance citizens’ quality of life. Discussions will follow the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos scheduled for the same month.
February 2027’s “Green Democracy” will involve seminars on agricultural democracy, environmental activities, sustainable resource management, geopolitical connections, and educating farmers on climate change adaptation aligned with local agriculture.
March 2027’s theme, “Next Steps on the Foundation of Ideology,” includes seminars and field activities with the People’s Assembly, summarizing the year’s achievements and announcing the party’s vision for its 81st year.
Abhisit emphasized that the 80th-anniversary activities are not merely retrospective but steps forward to lead Thailand to a better future grounded in strong ideology for all Thais. He then invited Songkhla MP and deputy party leader Juree Numkaew to inaugurate the “Good Things” shop, expressing hope that the store would be as successful as Juree’s own sales. Party members then toured the shop, which offers souvenirs such as jackets, t-shirts, bags bearing the party emblem, pens, mugs, and other items for sale.