In a significant political development, former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has announced his return to actively lead the Democrat Party, Thailand’s oldest political party. The announcement was made today, just one day before the party’s general assembly is set to convene to elect a new leader.

Former Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva to Return as Democrat Party Leader

This move positions Mr. Abhisit to potentially reclaim the leadership role he held twice between 2005 and 2019. If elected, he would succeed Chalermchai Sri-on, who stepped down from the position on September 12, citing health reasons as the cause for his resignation.

Declaring his intentions on a social media platform, Abhisit stated that he was volunteering to serve the people once again as a member of the Democrat Party. His post was accompanied by a photograph featuring several prominent former party members, including Korn Chatikavanij, Sakolthee Phattiyakul, ML Apimongkol Sonakul, Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, and Veerapong Prapha, signaling a reunification of key figures.

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has officially returned as leader of the Democrat Party, winning the position unopposed with an overwhelming majority of votes during the party’s extraordinary general assembly in Bangkok on Saturday.

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— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) October 18, 2025

Mr. Abhisit’s previous tenure as party leader concluded in 2019 following the party’s devastating election defeat, which prompted his resignation. He later departed from the party entirely in December of 2023 amid internal conflicts.

Former Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva quits Democrat party

Following the election for the new party leader, Abhisit is anticipated to deliver a speech detailing his vision for the party’s future and his comprehensive plans for its reform, setting a new course for the historic institution.

-Thailand News (TN)