Democrat Party Launches Bangkok Comeback Bid, Pledges to Fight “Gray Capital”
The Democrat Party, led by former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, kicked off a major campaign push in Bangkok on Thursday, aiming to reclaim lost ground in the upcoming elections. The rally, dubbed “Speech that opens the sky, Bangkok, new horizons,” signaled a renewed focus on the capital and a commitment to tackling corruption and economic stagnation.
A Return to the Capital After Years of Decline
Just one day after campaigning in Phuket, the Democrat Party – often referred to as the “blue party” – returned to Bangkok with a clear message: they are seeking to regain all 33 parliamentary seats in the city. The event, held in front of Benjasiri Park surrounded by upscale department stores, drew hundreds of supporters eager to hear from party leaders. According to deputy party leader Sakonthi Phattiyakul, Abhisit Vejjajiva’s return has sparked both renewed enthusiasm from former members and unwavering loyalty from long-time supporters.
“The return of Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva this time caused both the ‘old flame phenomenon’ of people who had left the party and the ‘unwavering love phenomenon’ that supporters have for the longest-running party in Thai political history,” Sakonthi stated. He emphasized the party’s commitment to honest politics, democratic principles, and upholding the monarchy. “We will ‘Make democracy great again’ with Abhisit being the center of everyone’s minds,” he added.
Targeting “Gray Capital” and a New Generation of MPs
Abhisit Vejjajiva, wearing a gray T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan “Gray shirts, not gray people,” directly addressed the issue of corruption, framing it as a key obstacle to Thailand’s progress. He urged Bangkok residents to support the Democrat Party in their fight against “gray capital” – a term used to describe illicit or corrupt financial dealings.
The party is fielding a slate of candidates for the 33 Bangkok districts, with a significant emphasis on attracting a new generation of politicians. Abhisit highlighted that many of the candidates are not career politicians, but individuals drawn to the party’s ideology. “You can be a good MP yourself” has created a lot of new generations who do not have a political background, he explained.
He stressed that the power to combat corruption ultimately lies with the voters, urging them to support both the Democrat Party and individual district MPs on February 8th. “Bangkok people are an important force in giving direction. Let’s do it one more time today,” Abhisit declared.
A History of Success and Recent Setbacks
The Democrat Party once held a dominant position in Bangkok, securing 27 of 36 district seats in the 2007 election following the 2006 coup. This success continued in 2011, with the party winning 23 seats in the capital after the electoral system was adjusted. However, the party has faced significant setbacks in recent years. In 2019, the Democrats failed to win a single seat in Bangkok, and this trend continued in the 2023 election, even after Abhisit’s return.
Policy Proposals and Economic Vision
The Democrat Party is proposing a multi-faceted approach to economic growth, centered around suppressing corruption and fostering a more transparent financial system. Party leaders promised that, within four years of taking office, they could raise Thailand’s GDP growth to 5% annually by dismantling “gray capital” and promoting legitimate investment.
Deputy party leader Korn Chatikawanich revealed that the party has already taken steps to address financial crimes, citing an example where a party member brought evidence of illegal financial routes to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The party also plans to leverage government data to improve transparency and prevent corruption within ministries. A proposed policy would provide financial assistance of 1,000 baht per month to citizens over 60, with plans to increase this amount as the economy grows.
Abhisit Vejjajiva was firm in his stance against cooperating with parties linked to corruption, specifically mentioning the Pheu Thai Party and its association with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. “If there is corruption, gray capital, we don’t want any of it… As for Pheu Thai, we are the ones fighting the Thaksin regime from the beginning until now and into the future. I have not closed the door. But if Thaksin shows up, snap him immediately,” he stated.
He also addressed concerns about the politicization of Thailand’s institutions, particularly the monarchy, and defended his government’s past efforts to ensure fair application of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which protects the monarchy from defamation. Abhisit warned against using institutions as political bargaining chips, arguing that such tactics undermine national unity. “If we don’t take it seriously, we won’t stay together,” he cautioned. He asserted that choosing the Democrat Party is “100% safe,” contrasting it with the perceived risks of supporting other parties.
Korn Chatikawanich’s Return and a Call for “Mindfulness”
Following the launch of the 33 Bangkok MP candidates, Korn Chatikawanich, a former Minister of Finance, delivered a powerful speech outlining his reasons for returning to politics after a six-year absence. He identified three key factors driving his decision: the state of the Thai economy, the prevalence of scams and corruption, and concerns about the ethics of politicians.
Chatikawanich described Thailand as a “Paper State” – a country with robust legal frameworks but lacking effective enforcement and public trust. He argued that Thailand is not a “failed state” like Myanmar or Venezuela, but suffers from a lack of refuge for citizens seeking justice and protection from corruption. He emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in mindset and a renewed commitment to ethical governance. .
