In a dramatic political twist, Thailand’s oldest political party has voted overwhelmingly to reinstate its former leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva — the ex-Prime Minister whose name remains deeply woven into the country’s complex political fabric.
Abhisit, who led Thailand from 2008 to 2011, guided the nation through the global financial crisis and was once celebrated for his articulate and composed leadership style. Yet, his tenure was also shadowed by one of the nation’s darkest moments — the 2010 military crackdown on “Red Shirts” protesters, where more than 90 lives were lost and thousands were injured.
Branded by critics as “the PM with blood on his hands,” Abhisit’s political career spiraled after internal party rifts and growing public disapproval. He eventually resigned from leadership and stepped away from the Democrat Party entirely in 2023.
However, in a stunning comeback, 96 percent of party members have now voted to reinstate him as leader. The announcement, broadcast live across local media, was met with both applause and scrutiny.
“I thank everyone for trusting my ability once again,” the 61-year-old declared, donning the party’s symbolic blue attire. “My heart never left here.”
His return comes at a critical juncture. With Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul promising to dissolve parliament and hold elections within four months, Abhisit’s reappearance could reposition the Democrat Party as a significant force in the next polls.
Political analysts, however, caution that rebuilding voter trust will not be easy. “People already have long-standing connections with him and the Democrat Party,” said Ekkarin Tuansiri, a political scientist at Prince of Songkla University. “But it won’t be easy.”
Founded in 1946, the Democrat Party once stood as a political powerhouse, but years of internal conflict and dwindling support have eroded its dominance. Whether Abhisit can revive the party’s legacy or simply rekindle old divisions remains to be seen.
Born in England and educated at Oxford, Abhisit — a dual Thai-British national — has long faced criticism for being out of touch with ordinary Thais and for avoiding mandatory military service. Yet, his return suggests one undeniable truth — in Thai politics, no chapter ever truly closes.
