Abhisit takes a jab at the 4-year era of the Democrat Party’s Bangkok governor, noting that while the Traffic Fondue system remains, there have been no complaints. He sharply criticizes the all-independent team, questioning who supports the independents. He affirms choosing the Democrat Party to purge the “A-Kong Regime” and dismantle corrupt license trading.
On 26 June 2026, Abhisit Vejjajiva, List MP and leader of the Democrat Party (DP), spoke at the major rally “Go All Out, Stop at James Anucha” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center to support Anucha Boonyachai Sri, the DP’s candidate for Bangkok governor, number 5, in the final campaign stage. He said that from his campaign visits, he observed lost opportunities and wasted years stuck in stagnation. He did not blame the former Bangkok governor but questioned how progress in city management should be measured. The Traffic Fondue platform and app for reporting and managing city issues is good, but should we be proud that over 4 years there were a million complaints? A better measure would be that after 4 years with Anucha, Traffic Fondue still exists but with no complaints because problems are solved. Some claim that when the DP was in charge, what did it accomplish? He recalled that former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayothin from the DP managed to extend the BTS across the Chao Phraya River to Thonburi, founded the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, pioneered the first closed-system waste treatment plant in Nong Khaem, and built Bang Khun Thian Hospital for the elderly.
In the past 4 years, I have considered how much Bangkok has changed. Just one month on the campaign trail, I saw that within an hour of Anucha’s launch, a train collided with a bus; two days later, at the Pride Parade, heavy rain flooded Silom Road; then there was a dispute over the odor from the On Nut waste plant. We plan for Bangkok to be an AI hub, yet Sukhumvit Road is filled with cannabis shops. We found electric boats abandoned by Bangkok despite many canals. We aim to make Bangkok not just livable and attractive to tourists, but much more.
"During the one month of campaigning, Anucha has not been campaigning but preparing to work. What is clear and urgently needs change is the lack of transparency in city management, with extortion for approvals and permits. To those who say if there is proof, present it, then such leaders should no longer govern Bangkok. The election is not only about Anucha; the Democrat Party has a team of council members and party executives ready to work for Bangkok’s people."
"We are ready to work regardless of position. We have members in nearly every district, many former branch leaders and party members, even those who have failed council elections multiple times but remain committed to serving Bangkok’s citizens for many years. I affirm these people are dedicated team players in a responsible party. We declare ourselves responsible politicians clearly to offer Bangkok voters a choice. I was shocked to see campaign signs saying ‘Choose an Independent Council Team,’ which made me wonder what kind of independent team has a full slate, and who supports them. I consider that to be outside the norm, as they appear stronger than Governor Chadchart," Abhisit said.
Abhisit added that Anucha is prepared, determined, and has policies ready to change the status quo. The five policy areas reflect the Democrat Party’s goals and potential. As the opposition candidate, although polls show us trailing, Anucha firmly believes the outcome depends on Bangkok’s voters, not polls. What matters is the willingness and determination to act. If victorious, we will implement our plans. Today, even if we do not win, the winner will feel pressure from policies and visions proving these goals are achievable and cannot be dismissed as beyond the governor’s authority. Chadchart will face pressure to improve budget transparency. If the “A-Kong Regime” exists, it cannot continue if we win. Why should they win? Because the one who exposed issues with scientific scrutiny must be the one to fix them—Anucha. It is time for the city to move forward as a livable and attractive place with clean, honest, and transparent politics. This is the Democrat Party’s firm commitment," Abhisit concluded.
