Abhisit Vejjajiva Returns to Politics, Giving New Energy to Thailand’s Democrat Party

Post by : Saif Nasser

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has made an unexpected return to active politics, bringing fresh energy and renewed attention to the Democrat Party just days before the country’s general election on February 8.

As Abhisit walked through a busy market in Bangkok, people stopped him for selfies and words of praise. Many voters still remember him as a calm and educated leader, and his return has stirred strong emotions, especially among older and conservative voters. Trained at Oxford University, Abhisit is seen by supporters as honest, capable, and steady at a time when many Thais feel disappointed with their political choices.

Abhisit, now 61, said his goal is not only to win votes but to give people more options. He explained that many voters feel frustrated by the lack of real choice in politics. His comeback has changed an election race that earlier seemed to be dominated by three main parties: the ruling Bhumjaithai Party, the progressive People’s Party, and the populist Pheu Thai Party.

The Democrat Party is Thailand’s oldest political party. For many years, it was strong in southern Thailand and in Bangkok. However, after a military coup in 2014 and poor election results in 2019 and 2023, the party lost much of its influence. Many supporters believe this decline began when Abhisit stepped away from leadership.

Recent opinion polls suggest that his return has helped the party regain trust. While Abhisit is unlikely to become prime minister again, surveys show he ranks among the top choices, and the Democrat Party is climbing in popularity. This could place the party in a key position during coalition talks if no party wins a clear majority.

Abhisit served as prime minister from 2008 to 2011, a time marked by deep political conflict. His term included violent street protests in 2010 that ended with a military crackdown and the deaths of 90 people. Human rights groups criticized the use of force, but Thai courts later dismissed all criminal cases against Abhisit and senior officials.

Much of Abhisit’s current support comes from southern Thailand, where recent floods caused major damage and loss of life. In some southern provinces, surveys show him leading other prime ministerial candidates. This suggests that voters in the region are once again turning to the Democrats.

Bangkok, however, remains a major challenge. The capital is Thailand’s largest voting block and was overwhelmingly won by a rival party in the last election. Abhisit has admitted that his party had little time to prepare there, especially after parliament was dissolved suddenly in December.

That decision to call early elections came during a tense border dispute with Cambodia, which some analysts believe helped the ruling party stir nationalist feelings. Even so, Abhisit says his campaign is not based on nostalgia alone. He wants to rebuild the Democrat Party around its original principles while also updating it for modern voters.

As election day approaches, Abhisit’s return has clearly reshaped Thailand’s political landscape. Whether or not it leads to power, his presence has revived debate, given voters another option, and made the outcome far less predictable.