Aphisit: Democrats Trail in Bangkok, Focus Shifts to South Amid Vote-Buying

Khaosod•Politics•233d ago

Reader Briefing

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva acknowledges the party's weaker position in Bangkok while preparing to intensify campaigning in the South due to concerns over vote-buying.

•Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva admits the party is currently trailing in Bangkok.
•Abhisit is planning a focused campaign in the Southern provinces to combat widespread vote-buying rumors.
•He has called on the Election Commission (EC) to proactively address and deter vote-buying activities.
•Abhisit also raised concerns about PM 2.5 dust from agricultural burning in Nakhon Nayok impacting Bangkok.

Overview

•On Jan 31, 2026, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Sakoltee Phattiyakul visited Yingcharoen Market to campaign.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that the Democrat Party is currently considered to be in a weaker position in Bangkok.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva announced plans to campaign in the Southern provinces in the coming days to promote honest politics.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva cited widespread rumors of vote-buying as the reason for the intensified focus on the Southern provinces.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed surprise at the Election Commission's (EC) perceived inaction on vote-buying behaviors.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva intends to increase campaign activities in Bangkok after focusing on the South.
•Abhisit Vejjajiva commented on PM 2.5 dust from agricultural burning in Nakhon Nayok affecting Bangkok, urging government action.
•The Democrat Party's policy mentioned in relation to agricultural burning is not to purchase or support produce from areas with such practices.

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Key Quotes

Abhisit Vejjajiva

"We must fight together for honest politics, as there are quite a few rumors of vote-buying."

เราจะต้องต่อสู้ร่วมกันในเรื่องการเมืองสุจริต เนื่องจากมีข่าวเรื่องการซื้อเสียงค่อนข้างหนาหู

Abhisit Vejjajiva

"This shows these behaviors exist, whether old or new. It's surprising the Election Commission (EC) cannot act."

แสดงให้เห็นว่า มีพฤติกรรมเหล่านี้ไม่ว่าจะเก่าหรือใหม่ ก็แปลกใจว่า เหตุใดคณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง (กกต.) ไม่สามารถที่จะดำเนินการได้

Abhisit Vejjajiva

"I urge the EC to be proactive. If they can apprehend or take action in one or two places, it will deter these incidents."

จึงอยากเรียกร้องไปยัง กกต. ให้ทำงานในเชิงรุก หากจับกุมหรือดำเนินการได้สัก 1-2 แห่ง ก็จะเป็นการช่วยปราม ไม่ให้เหตุการณ์เหล่านี้เกิดขึ้นอีก

Abhisit Vejjajiva

"But we must work hard, knowing we are still behind."

แต่เราก็ต้องทำงานหนัก รู้ว่าเป็นรองอยู่

Key Entities

Person

Abhisit Vejjajiva(อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ)ℹ️

Leader of the Democrat Party and Prime Ministerial candidate, actively campaigning.

Ms. Vivien Julamont(น.ส.วิเวียน จุลมนต์)

Democrat Party candidate for Member of Parliament in Bangkok seeking votes.

Mr. Sakoltee Phattiyakul(นายสกลธี ภัททิยกุล)

Deputy leader of the Democrat Party responsible for the Bangkok area, who accompanied Abhisit during a campaign visit.

Organization

Democrat Party(ปชป.)ℹ️

Political party campaigning in Bangkok and the Southern provinces.

Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)ℹ️

The electoral body called upon to proactively investigate and deter vote-buying.

Place

Bangkok(กทม.)ℹ️

The metropolitan area where the Democrat Party acknowledges being at a disadvantage.

Southern Provinces(ภาคใต้)

Region where the Democrat Party leader plans to focus campaigning due to vote-buying concerns.

Yingcharoen Market(ตลาดยิ่งเจริญ)

Location in Bangkok where Abhisit Vejjajiva campaigned.

Nakhon Nayok Province(จ.นครนายก)ℹ️

Province identified as a source of PM 2.5 dust from agricultural burning impacting Bangkok.