Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has taken a firm stance, announcing that his party will not join any coalition with "family-run" parties or those fostering social division. On Monday, he outlined three conditions for coalition partners: no ties to grey capital, no single-family dominance, and avoidance of divisive political tools. Abhisit asserts that backing the Democrats would ensure clean and stable governance.

This announcement follows Abhisit's earlier declaration during a political debate where he ruled out working with the Klatham Party after the February 8 general election due to allegations against some of its members having links to transnational scam syndicates.

During a campaign event in Bangkok on Monday, Abhisit received strong support as he campaigned for Nonthanat Bunnak in Constituency 5. Despite a Nida poll placing the Democrats fourth in popularity, he stressed the importance of every vote in their fight against corruption and social division.

Abhisit highlighted a recent election in Songkhla to illustrate voter rejection of patronage politics, noting a rise in "no vote" ballots. He reiterated the party's reform agenda, aiming for transparent selection of senators and scrutiny of independent agencies to restore public trust.

Former Democrat leader Jurin Laksanawisit, while campaigning in Phangnga, indicated that coalition formation would depend on election results. He mentioned Abhisit's willingness to work with Pheu Thai and the People's Party if they accepted the Democrats' conditions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul expressed openness to forming a government with other parties, supporting policies that align with public demand post-election, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways:

• Abhisit Vejjajiva rules out coalitions with "family-run" parties.

• Democrats set conditions against grey capital and divisive politics.

• Coalition formations hinge on election results and party alignments.

Related Stories:

Abhisit Targets Undecided Voters Ahead of Feb 8 Election

Democrat Leader Abhisit Pledges to Eradicate Thai Poverty

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-13

 

 

First it stands that he will not work in coalition with family run parties.

54 minutes ago, webfact said:

Former Democrat leader Jurin Laksanawisit, while campaigning in Phangnga, indicated that coalition formation would depend on election results. He mentioned Abhisit's willingness to work with Pheu Thai and the People's Party if they accepted the Democrats' conditions.

After that his second goes out and talk about willingness to work with Pheu Thai. That goes well together. 😂

Somewhere in between he said that and he says this probably lies the truth, but don't ever rely on news reports to establish what is what, well below the comprehension of most so-called reporters.

Define a 'family-run' party Mark. They are all family-run and controlled. Just sometimes the circle of influence and benefit is wider..

So that rules out Pheu Thai! If not a majority by 1 party (hopefully MF) then coalition will have to be formed - each party should just say who or won't they work with - but as with all politicians when their lips move they're lying 🤥

Seems like sensible comment to me. In any genuine democracy people would wonder why there was a need to say it.

On 1/13/2026 at 8:29 AM, Gottfrid said:

First it stands that he will not work in coalition with family run parties.

After that his second goes out and talk about willingness to work with Pheu Thai. That goes well together. 😂

One has to remember that Thaksin and Absihit do not have a friendly relationship. Many older members here will remember the Yellow-red battles that were partly supported by Thaksin.

9 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

One has to remember that Thaksin and Absihit do not have a friendly relationship. Many older members here will remember the Yellow-red battles that were partly supported by Thaksin.

Mark has to do something. His party barely scraped in to the last election. He's counting on the royalists who backed him when the coup makers installed him as PM - few others would remember him or ever voted for him (those under 40ish today). His party, the Democrats, have never won an actual general election in living memory.

2 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Mark has to do something. His party barely scraped in to the last election. He's counting on the royalists who backed him when the coup makers installed him as PM; few others would remember him or ever vote for him (those under 40ish today). His party, the Democrats, have never won an actual general election in living memory.

Yeah, but he has a better chance than the people before him, especially with the army parties basically shot and out of it.

I think 4th or possibly 3rd in the election is possible for him. We will not know for sure until we see how bad things are for the Thaksin party.

I can definitley see a coalition with PP and it would be good for them to have an experienced PM that can help them as a deputy

Wish him and his party the best of luck although - during the last 30-40 years - his party was busy with itself. Shouldrubbing with People's Party might be an idea and could result in an interesting government.

What Abhisit is missing is the "Thai-ness"; he might be still too remote and too far away from the mindset of all those Grannies and Uncles in Northeastern and Northern Thailand who, in all fairness, form a massive percentage of voters.

The best of luck and lets see the outcome in 3 ½ weeks from now ;-)

2 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

I can definitley see a coalition with PP and it would be good for them to have an experienced PM that can help them as a deputy

Maybe. But they have such little backing. Usually the South and a smattering in Bangkok.

43 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Maybe. But they have such little backing. Usually, the South and a smattering in Bangkok.

Agreed that most of the places that the Dems are trying are also in the city's prime PP. However, it is doubtful that PP is going to get a majority, and working with Abi<deleted> may be the best alternative.

There is no way they are going to talk to PTP and Anutin is ot going tolike what they are going to propose.

On 1/13/2026 at 8:34 AM, webfact said:

no ties to grey capital

Seems good to me...

On 1/13/2026 at 8:34 AM, webfact said:

no single-family dominance

again, good....

On 1/13/2026 at 8:34 AM, webfact said:

avoidance of divisive political tools

mmm...what does one suppose that might mean? Keep things prehistoric is my guess.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has taken a firm stance, announcing that his party will not join any coalition with "family-run" parties or those fostering social division.

Good luck going alone then....

On 1/13/2026 at 10:58 AM, phil2407 said:

So that rules out Pheu Thai! If not a majority by 1 party (hopefully MF) then coalition will have to be formed - each party should just say who or won't they work with - but as with all politicians when their lips move they're lying 🤥

It should rule out Bumjaithai too, as the power behind the throne is Newin Chidchop, the godfather of Buriram, a very corrupt clan. They picked Anutin as their more presentable face of the party.

So, he's ruling out any of the other parties then... apart from the military front party BJT. Guess the transparency is welcome.

No matter where in the world, politics are usually doing more nothing then anything. All that at taxpayers expense. Has democracy reached it's limits in our world ?

Geordie boy’s been in the game long enough to know saying stupid things like this can come back haunt him. Should have kept his mouth shut or say he’ll decide after the election result is known.

My prediction for the upcoming election:

Bhumjaithai will gain the most seats due to nationalistic support following the border clashes, and then team up with Pheu Thai who will come second or third.

Both these parties have a considerable number of local clans, ban yai, in their camps which will win constituency MPs for their parties respectively.

People's Party will bleed voters because:

The other parties keep reminding voters about Pita's remarks about the army in the past. Some will interpret these remarks as anti- military and desert PP.

Some voters will undoubtedly return to The Democrats revitalized under Aphisit, taking support from PP.

The current leader of PP, Nattaphong, lacks charisma and can't attract the crowds like Pita or Thanathorn.