Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has expressed confidence that gubernatorial candidate Anucha Burapachaisri and the party can bring meaningful change to Bangkok, while warning voters not to be misled by candidates claiming to be “independent” while concealing political affiliations.
Speaking on Saturday, the final day of campaigning ahead of Sunday’s governor and city council elections in the capital, Mr Abhisit said the Democrat Party’s proposed reforms and anti-corruption initiatives would help improve governance in the capital.
He said the party’s “Song Rat” (scan the state) platform would enable it to identify problems and irregularities more effectively, making it easier to tackle longstanding issues. The party’s plans to overhaul licensing systems and bureaucratic procedures would also contribute to meaningful change, he added.
Earlier in the morning, Mr Abhisit, Mr Anucha and other senior party figures, including Chuan Leekpai, Korn Chatikavanij and Karndee Leopairote and other executives, gathered at Party headquarters to pay respects to Phra Mae Thorani (Earth Goddess) for good fortune ahead of polling day on Sunday.
The campaign team then launched a convoy across Bangkok, stopping at key locations such as the Or Tor Kor Market and the Saha Group Fair at Bitec Bangna. They later travelled by skytrain to major shopping centres, including EmQuartier, Central Embassy and Central Chidlom, before wrapping up the campaign at Siam Paragon with a final appeal to voters.
Mr Abhisit said the Democrats would continue campaigning until the last moment despite assessments that the party remained behind its rivals.
Incumbent Chadchart Sittipunt, elected in a landslide in 2022, is widely expected to win a second term as governor on Sunday. However, allegations that many of the key decisions in Bangkok are really made by a hidden network of influential figures might dent his support this time.
Unlocking potential
Mr Abhisit expressed confidence that the party’s policies would address the needs of Bangkok residents and unlock the city’s greater potential.
He also alleged that coordinated online attacks targeting the party’s website reflected backlash from groups whose interests had been affected by the party’s anti-corruption stance.
He said the Democrats would continue their scrutiny, stressing that Bangkok residents want not only a physically clean city but also transparency and clean governance.
The party leader acknowledged that voter awareness appeared lower than usual, with some residents still unaware of the election date, and confusion arising from mismatched candidate numbers between gubernatorial and council candidates.
However, he said many traditional supporters remain loyal, urging voters to consider whether Bangkok is already good enough or capable of more.
Discussing corruption issues highlighted during a major rally on Friday night, Mr Abhisit said change is achievable, adding that the party’s tools and reforms would make problem-solving more effective.
Who is ‘independent’?
Turning to a group of candidates running as independents in the Bangkok Council election, Mr Abhisit questioned whether they were truly independent.
He said the term “independent” naturally appealed to voters because it sounded positive, but the real issue was what kind of independence was being claimed.
“If people are asked whether they prefer to be independent or not independent, no one is likely to choose the latter.” he said. “But if the question is whether it is better to work alone or as part of a team, I believe most people would say teamwork is preferable.
“What frustrates me in this election is the lack of transparency. Under the conventional definition, an independent candidate runs alone and is not affiliated with any group. In this election we are seeing the phenomenon of ‘independent teams’.
“If they are operating as a team, they are no longer independent — they are a political group. And if that affiliation is concealed, then it becomes a political gang,” said the Democrat leader.
He stressed that the Democrat Party has demonstrated internal accountability. Party members were willing to scrutinise one another rather than blindly support colleagues.
He urged voters not to be deceived by claims of independence that did not reflect the reality of how candidates operated.
Mr Anucha urged Bangkok residents to give the party an opportunity in both the gubernatorial race and all 50 council seats, saying the election will determine the city’s direction for the next four years. Unlike national politics, the Bangkok administration cannot be easily dissolved.
The party’s governor candidate called on voters not to miss the opportunity, urging them to choose what is right over what is merely appealing.
