Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has officially returned to helm the Democrat Party, reclaiming the leadership unopposed with an overwhelming majority during the party’s extraordinary general assembly in Bangkok on Saturday.
The assembly, held at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel in Lak Si district, began at 10am and was convened to elect a new party leader and executive committee. The event drew a large crowd of current and former MPs, ex-ministers, and long-time party members.
During the session, former deputy leader Therdpong Chaiyanan nominated Mr. Abhisit, who had previously led the party from 2005 to 2019, for the top position. No other names were put forward.
Voting followed Election Commission procedures, with ballots divided into three groups: current MPs (40%), former MPs (40%) and general members (20%).
Oxford-educated Abhisit secured a landslide victory with 96.18% of the vote, prompting applause and cheers from party members inside the convention hall.
A video posted by the Democrat Party showed hundreds of members attending the meeting to elect the new leader and executive board, reflecting strong enthusiasm for the former prime minister’s comeback.
Mr. Abhisit, 61, previously served as the Democrat’s seventh leader and now returns as its tenth, according to party sources. When asked about his decision to re-enter politics, he said simply, “My heart never left.”
Before the meeting began, Mr. Abhisit was warmly welcomed by supporters and senior figures including former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij, Satit Wongnongtaey, Sakoltee Phattiyakul, and Nipit Intarasombat. Inside the hall, several members held placards bearing his name.
Also present was party list-MP and former prime minister Chuan Leekpai, 87, who arrived with his son and ex-MP Surabot Leekpai. They toured an exhibition titled “Democrat People,” featuring sketches by Mr. Chuan himself.
Former leader Chalermchai Sri-on, who resigned last month due to health reasons, was absent from the meeting. Acting secretary-general Dech-it Khanthong attended, alongside several former members who previously served under Mr. Abhisit and have since rejoined the party.
The atmosphere was described as lively and optimistic, signalling renewed energy among members ahead of the next general election.
Political analyst Stithorn Thananithichot said Mr. Abhisit’s return was expected and viewed as a key step in preparing the party for the national poll, scheduled for March 29, 2026.
Mr. Stithorn, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, added that Abhisit’s leadership could strengthen the Democrats’ representation in future elections.
Mr. Abhisit resigned as leader in 2019 following the party’s worst electoral result in decades. After consistently winning more than 100 seats since 1996, the Democrats secured just 53 in 2019, and that number fell to 25 in the 2023 election.
