The Democrat Party welcomed leaders, politicians, and representatives of liberal democratic parties worldwide to the 65th Liberal International Congress to discuss the "Global Direction of Liberalism" amid current world circumstances.
On 2 Nov 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, the Democrat Party, together with Liberal International (LI), the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) of the Federal Republic of Germany, co-hosted the 65th Liberal International Congress. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and former Prime Minister, officially opened the event with a traditional Northern Thai drum performance called "Klong Sabat Chai," aligning with the main conference theme, "Building Resilient Democracies for a Secure Future."
Mr. Abhisit welcomed delegates from liberal democratic parties worldwide and delivered a keynote speech titled "Principles and Paradoxes of Liberalism in the 21st Century." He stated that the global order based on liberal democratic values is being shaken, even by leaders of free world nations. Amid escalating geopolitical tensions marked by armed conflicts and widespread disinformation on social media, liberal democratic parties—including the Democrat Party—must adapt to genuinely serve their citizens. Although the liberal world order has flaws, it remains crucial for peace, prosperity, and unprecedented poverty alleviation. Currently, conflicts and geopolitical tensions are deepening divisions, worsening economic conditions, and intensifying inequality.
Meanwhile, powerful technologies are being distorted through the spread of disinformation, becoming major threats to democracy. Such misinformation is exploited by extreme populist and nationalist groups globally. A particularly worrying challenge is that younger generations increasingly feel that liberal and democratic values are no longer essential to embrace.
Mr. Abhisit further said that while still believing in the correctness of liberal principles, liberal democrats must courageously acknowledge mistakes and shortcomings in applying these values. He hopes that the two-day discussions ahead will lead to three key directions:
1. Making democracy address everyday livelihood issues and fix weaknesses that opponents criticize as liberal neglect of people’s welfare, by concretely proving that "freedom is the foundation of opportunity, and that opportunity can be transformed into prosperity for all."
2. Regaining the position of "progressive force" by breaking the elite image, seriously addressing economic inequality and social injustice, and dispelling the perception that liberals are part of an establishment neglecting the poor. Instead, liberal principles and institutions should drive progressive agendas to assist all societal groups.
3. Harmonizing freedom values with social context, creating coherence between freedom of expression and universal principles with community and societal ways of life, so these values do not appear contradictory. In truth, liberalism is based on fundamental human nature and must mutually support all lives in society.
"For the Democrat Party, founded one year after the establishment of Liberal International and having shared a long history of challenges and perseverance, our urgent mission now is to address these three major issues so that liberal democratic principles truly serve the people. We warmly welcome delegates from around the world to Bangkok and affirm that the Democrat Party is a neutral platform for frank dialogue and exchange throughout this conference," Mr. Abhisit said. Mr. Abhisit stated.
Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Paqué, Chair of Liberal International, remarked that it is necessary to highlight the need for liberal parties worldwide to unite in defending democratic institutions amid current geopolitical challenges. Senator Kiko Pangilinan, former Chair of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), Philippine Senator, and honorary chair of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, affirmed the cooperation of liberal democratic networks in Asia to protect human rights and the rule of law.
Reporters noted that a key topic on the morning of 2 Nov was the panel discussion titled "Principles and Paradoxes of 21st Century Liberalism," featuring Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader and former Thai Prime Minister, and Lord John Alderdice, UK Parliament member and honorary chair of Liberal International. They explored the future of pluralism, freedom, and democracy’s adaptation amid contemporary conflicts. Afternoon and evening discussions focused on "Women in Conflict Zones," with Ukrainian MP Yevheniya Kravchuk, Ms. Nattha Pinnadda Wasantasinkh, CALD Youth Secretary-General, and May El Arabi, Chair of the Syrian Liberal Party.
Environmental discussions titled "Climate Defenders Fishbowl" were led by David Zimmer, former President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, MEP Mikal Wisik, and Mrs. Kadee Liao Phairoj, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party.
In the evening, a welcome reception for conference participants was held at the Siam Society under Royal Patronage, featuring opening remarks by Michael Georg Link, German Parliament member; Korn Chatikavanij, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party; and Astrid Thors, Vice Chair of Liberal International.
Reporters also noted that the Bangkok meeting will continue until 3 Nov, with key sessions addressing "Youth and State Intimidation" and a closing keynote speech by Chuan Leekpai, List MP of the Democrat Party and two-time former Prime Minister. Afterward, liberal party delegates from around the world will proceed to continue their conference in Taipei, Taiwan, from 4-6 Nov.
