Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva has made a significant return to the leadership of the Democrat Party, urging both new and older generations to unite in strengthening the party. Abhisit thanked party members for their overwhelming trust and emphasized the need to bolster the party with the limited time available. He also proposed eight deputy party leaders to help drive the party forward, including Korn, Karndee, Juri, Satit, and Issara.
According to Thai News Agency, the extraordinary general meeting saw a full turnout of MPs, former MPs, former ministers, and party members to select a new party leader and executive committee. Mr. Thepphong Chaiyanan, a former deputy leader of the Democrat Party, nominated Abhisit Vejjajiva as the new party leader, a move that went unchallenged. The voting process followed the Election Commission’s procedures, with votes distributed among MPs, party executives, and former MPs representing branches and party members. Abhisit secured 96.1810 percent of the votes, receiving applause from the conference room.
After being voted in as leader, Abhisit expressed his gratitude and commitment to reinvigorate the party. When questioned by the press about his return, he stated that his passion for the party had remained unchanged. He acknowledged the challenge of limited time and stressed the importance of inviting new members to join. Abhisit proposed a mix of young and experienced individuals to work together, highlighting the need to include more younger members in leadership roles.
The meeting continued with the selection of deputy party leaders and other key positions. Abhisit nominated Korn Chatikavanij for policy, Kardee Leowpairoj for the digital economy, Tik Tok star Juri Numkaew for corporate communications, and Ratklao Intawong Suwannakiri for women, youth, and sustainability. Additional nominees included Weeraphong Prapa for international economics, Satit Wongnongtoey for political strategy and civil society coordination, Issara Sunthornwat for foreign affairs, and Amporn Pinasa for education and the Northeastern region. Chaiwut Bannawat was appointed as party secretary-general.