Veteran politician Abhisit Vejjajiva announced his resignation as a Democrat Party MP during a joint parliamentary sitting to select the next prime minister yesterday, saying he respected the party's decisions but his commitment to the public good was "greater".
All eyes were on Mr Abhisit after the Democrat Party voted to join the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP)-led coalition yesterday and resolved to support Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's bid to remain as premier. Mr Abhisit had tried to talk them out of it, without success.
The former Democrat leader had previously said he was opposed to the party joining hands with the PPRP, and actively worked to convince the rest of the party to assume the role of an "independent opposition".
"Throughout my political career, I've always adhered to ideals and principles," Mr Abhisit said. "This isn't a trivial matter -- I believe that only politics that are based on ideals and principles can bring benefit to the nation in the long run."
Mr Abhisit continued: "Gandhi addressed seven sins in society, and one of them is politics without principles. I can't commit that sin, so I hereby announce my resignation as an MP."
His resignation was formally announced at the TOT headquarters, where both the House of Representatives and the Senate were about to vote on the next prime minister.
Mr Abhisit said he "has to honour the pledge he made to the people". "I'm aware that good politicians will follow their party's resolutions, but I can't vote for Gen Prayut," he said. "My commitment to the public good is greater than my party's resolution."
In his resignation speech, Mr Abhisit's underscored the fact that he made the vow while still serving as the Democrat leader, and he believes his decision is in line with the party's pledge to respect the voice of the people and promote honest democracy.
"Almost 4 million people voted for the Democrat Party in the March 24 election, and they were aware of my stance," he said, before thanking Democrat voters for their support.
Mr Abhisit said that during a party meeting on Tuesday he had tried to persuade his colleagues to choose an alternative path. Even though he disagreed with the party's resolution, he hoped the party will have a "change of heart". "I regret that we lost the opportunity to build a path to democracy," Mr Abhisit said.
