The Democrat Party paid respect to the party’s sacred symbol before the Bangkok governor election tomorrow, warning voters not to be deceived by the term “independent candidate” and highlighting the party system as a key guarantee of transparency and integrity in governance.
On 27 June 2026 at the Democrat Party headquarters, Anucha Burapachaisri, the Democrat candidate for Bangkok governor, along with senior leaders including Chuan Leekpai, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Ong-art Klampaiboon, Chanin Rungsaeng, Sakolthee Phattiyakul, Korn Chatikavanij, Karnkaidee Liaopairoj, and all 50 candidates for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council seats, collectively performed a ceremony paying respects to the Earth Goddess statue, the party’s sacred symbol, to seek blessings for success in their final campaign day before the official election on Sunday, 28 June 2026.
Abhisit Vejjajiva acknowledged that although the party is currently trailing in popularity and public enthusiasm seems lower than in the general election, unusual activity appeared in the final week. IO groups launched intense attacks against the party’s website and leaders’ social media pages, which proves that the Democrat Party’s exposure of corruption in Bangkok has impacted certain vested interests. This strengthens the party’s resolve to continue anti-corruption efforts, emphasizing their “Watch the State” platform and the overhaul of licensing systems as vital tools.
“This election frustrates me due to the dishonesty of some candidates who claim to be independents but come as teams. This is not standard practice; it’s a political group in disguise. If they conceal this, it becomes a 'political gang.' I don’t want Bangkok voters to be misled by the false notion of independence. The party system is clear and has checks and balances. Even our own councilors are ready to hold our governor candidate accountable if he errs,” Abhisit said.
Meanwhile, Chuan Leekpai, former Democrat Party leader, reflected after three days of campaigning that Thailand’s political image is severely tarnished by vote-buying MPs, senators appointed through collusion, and civil servants trading positions—issues that bring shame. To restore the country, voters must choose “good people and good parties” because individual systems end with their term, but party systems bear ongoing shared responsibility. This guarantees that party members work carefully. Historically, all Democrat governors of Bangkok have had spotless records with no corruption accusations.
Anucha Burapachaisri, the Democrat candidate for Bangkok governor, concluded by urging Bangkok residents to give the Democrat Party a full team opportunity—for governor and all 50 council seats—to administer transparently and monitor budget management effectively. He stressed that Bangkok local elections differ from national ones because the city council cannot be easily dissolved; a wrong choice means waiting another full four years. Therefore, voters should not choose based solely on liking but rather on reality and sound principles.
After the press conference, Democrat Party executives launched a motorcade campaign across Bangkok. Anucha and senior leaders engaged in widespread grassroots outreach throughout the day, starting at the Or Tor Kor Market, visiting the Saha Group Fair at BITEC Bangna, then using the BTS Skytrain to reach central economic districts including EmQuartier, Central Embassy, and Central Chidlom, before concluding the campaign with a grand rally at Paragon Park, Siam Paragon.