Abhisit Vejjajiva has been elected, uncontested, to be the new leader of the Democrats, Thailand’s oldest political party, at its general assembly today. A new executive committee was also elected.
Former party leader Abhisit was the only candidate, nominated by former deputy leader Therdphong Chaiyanan. He received almost 96.2% of the votes cast by members of the election committee, which is comprised of active MPs, former MPs and representatives of the party’s branch offices.
After the election of the party leader, Abhisit nominated eight deputy leaders. They are:
- Korn Chatikavanij in charge of policy
- Karndee Leopairote in charge of digital economy
- Churee Noomkaew in charge of organisational communications
- Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri in charge of women and juvenile affairs
- Veerabhongs Prapha in charge of international economic affairs
- Sathit Wongnongtaey in charge of political strategy and coordination with the civic sector
- Issara Sunthornwat in charge of foreign affairs
- Amporn Phinasa in charge of education
Chaiwut Bannawat was appointed the new secretary-general of the party, to replace Det-it Khaothong
Abhisit told the meeting that his biggest concern now is the time constraint and how he can strengthen the party, adding that he will spend most of the time on recruiting newcomers.
He said that he wants the party’s veteran members and the newcomers to blend and work together to drive the party forward, adding that, in the past, there were many older party members.
“This time around, I want to see more young people, so that I will become the only white-haired person in the meeting room,” said Abhisit as he nominated the eight deputy leaders.
Several party’s veterans, such as former party leaders Chuan Leekpai and Banyat Bantadtan, and others who have quit the party, were seen at the meeting today to welcome the return of Abhisit, who quit the party in December 2023.
