The Democrat Party launched the 16th Democrat Internship Program (DIP), with Chuan pointing out that political problems arise from individuals. If nine Bhumjaithai Party leaders sue iLaw, the court can summon all witnesses and evidence. He urged those aspiring to be politicians or civil servants to uphold honesty and integrity in their conduct.
At 09:00 on 25 July 2026, at Conference Room B1, Parliament. Chuan Leekpai. Member of Parliament (MP) from the Democrat Party’s party-list, serving as Chairman of the Democrat Party Advisory Council, former Prime Minister and former Speaker of Parliament, opened the new generation leadership training program or the 16th Democrat Internship Program (DIP). This program allows youth to learn about and understand Thailand, developing policy thinking skills through direct experience from experts, to collectively address social problems.
Participants will learn from politicians, academics, and executives from various national private sectors who serve as mentors sharing their experiences. These include Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader; Korn Chatikavanij; Kadee Liewpairot; Rudklao Intawong Suwankhiri, Deputy Party Leader; Dr. Arm Tangnirandorn, Director of the China Studies Center at Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Asian Studies; CK Zheng, businessman and influencer, CEO of Fastwork platform; Jirayus Supsrisopa, CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings, among others. The program also includes field visits to study real social issues and practice problem-solving analysis.
Chuan delivered a special lecture titled “Politics and Thai Society,” acknowledging that Thailand’s future problems arise from individual behavior. He noted that criticism of systemic failure is misplaced; the government leadership has failed, not the political system itself. If laws lack sanctity, governance cannot succeed. Therefore, the sanctity of law is crucial because in a democratic system under a constitutional monarchy, laws and the rule of law are vitally important.
If laws lack sanctity, others’ rights will be violated. For example, after the recent election, he wrote to the Election Commission chair following intense public criticism, because only one fraud case was detected out of 500 constituencies. In Nakhon Si Thammarat, there was only one witness testifying about collusion with local military to buy votes for Bhumjaithai Party; no other cases were caught. When the Election Commission manages elections but cannot detect fraud, he encouraged the commission to perform its duties bravely without personal bias; otherwise, the country suffers damage.
Chuan also addressed the Senate rigging case, in which recently a representative from the Internet Law Project for People, or iLaw, accused nine leaders, including MPs and ministers from Bhumjaithai Party, of involvement. He said he had read the allegations but did not claim they were true. However, if untrue, the complainants would face serious jail time. He believes those who held the press conference making accusations are prepared to be sued, because once the case reaches court, evidence that was previously unavailable can be summoned for examination. This lawsuit serves to have the court issue summonses for witnesses related to wrongdoing, and if evidence has not yet been submitted, the court can call witnesses to verify the facts.
Chuan added that all this reflects the problem of political business in Thai politics. The Democrat Party’s honest democratic approach, though challenging, can succeed if MPs are qualified. He is confident the party is good enough to survive by principles and avoid becoming a minor or token party. He urged participants in this program who wish to become politicians or civil servants in ministries and departments to uphold honesty and integrity as a foundation, as it is more sustainable. .
