Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said today that his party is focusing on persuading undecided voters to reconsider and vote for the Democrats in the general election next month.
He was speaking while campaigning with Apimuk Xanthavanij, the party’s candidate for Bangkok’s Constituency 3, which covers Bang Kho Laem and Yannawa districts.
The campaign trail began in Charoen Krung Soi 103, where residents and shop owners lined the street to welcome the team.
With only limited time left before the February 8 election, Abhisit said the Democrats will continue reaching out to undecided voters, urging them to reconsider the party’s record and reforms.
He added that he remains hopeful about Bangkok constituencies in which the party has long-standing ties, while acknowledging that the party still needs to work hard.
During the visit, Abhisit spoke about his long political connection with the area, noting that he was first elected MP here, while several other Democrat figures have also represented the constituency.
He joked that the district could be called the “Api district,” referring to several Democrat politicians whose names begin with “Api,” including Apirak Kosayodhin and Apimongkol Sonakul.
“I hope Apimuk will become the fourth ‘Api’,” he said.
From L; Apimuk Xanthavanij and Ahbisit Vejjajiva
Some supporters embraced Abhisit and said they had been waiting a long time for his return to politics. He was also shown photos of himself campaigning during his first election campaign in the constituency.
Asked to estimate how many Bangkok constituencies the party might win, Abhisit said he does not want to make any predictions yet, but is pleased to see clearer and warmer support. He added that the Democrats still need to work hard.
In the 2023 general election, Pheu Thai won the constituency, while the Democrat candidate came third.
Abhisit said the strong interest shown by voters has encouraged the party, claiming that, in other Bangkok districts he visited earlier in the day, many residents told him that they intend to return to supporting the Democrats.
He also cited recent polls in Songkhla, showing Democrat candidates leading, and thanked voters there for their continued confidence.
Commenting on concerns about advance voting, Abhisit urged the Election Commission to enforce clear and transparent rules to prevent potential abuse, saying regulations for advance voting are less strict than on election day.
He added that allegations of pre-election vote buying had damaged parliament’s reputation in the past and must not be repeated.
On nationalism and border issues being used in campaigning, Abhisit said people appreciate the military’s efforts, but warned that the government’s foreign-policy work ahead will be challenging. Political parties, he said, should remain united on national security issues rather than turning them into campaign tools.
