The Democrat Party in Thailand teeters on the brink of a crisis, following an overwhelming loss of members due to a recent change in leadership, according to the party’s former leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Chalermchai Sri-on, the ninth elected leader of the Democrats, took over the reins amidst internal turmoil.

 

Abhisit, in his first public comment since the leadership election on December 9, used social media to express his concerns about the party’s critical state. He also confirmed his departure from the party during the assembly.

 

“I am both perplexed and dismayed at the level of understanding in this room about the crisis our party is facing.”

Previously, Abhisit was proposed as a candidate for the party leadership by the party’s patriarch and ex-leader, Chuan Leekpai. Rejecting the nomination, Abhisit announced his resignation instead. This decision arrived amidst reports suggesting that the party vote might have been manipulated to favour Chalermchai, the party’s secretary-general and acting leader during the General Election.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-12-12

 

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I always had some respect for Abhisit, but seemed he and the party could never distinguish themselves from the Establishment in a way that would make them relevant. (But of course that's what MFP did, and look where it got them.) I wonder what he will do next, and will the party simply fade away? 

Good riddance to the pro-military, pro-Monarchy "yellow shirts" who murdered innocent civilians during protests with the "red shirts".

They've been in crisis for decades... 

Democrat Party? Who dat?