The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) extends its warmest congratulations to the Democrat Party (DP) of Thailand on the successful election of its new leadership ahead of the general elections scheduled for early next year.
Former Thai Prime Minister and CALD Chairperson, Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva, was elected unopposed with an overwhelming 96.2% of the votes during the party’s Special General Assembly held in Bangkok on 18 October 2025. Khun Abhisit previously served as the DP’s seventh leader from March 2005 to March 2019 and now returns as its tenth leader. A new executive committee was also elected to support him in steering the party toward a renewed direction.
CALD commends the DP for conducting the assembly in accordance with the principles and procedures of internal party democracy. In a political environment often characterized by personalism and transactionalism, it is encouraging to witness the party practicing its democratic values and providing its members with a meaningful voice in selecting their leadership.
We are confident that under the capable and experienced leadership of Khun Abhisit, the DP will work with renewed vigor toward its revitalization—not only in terms of electoral strength, but more importantly, in advancing principled politics rooted in liberal and democratic ideals.
Established in 1946, the DP is one of the oldest active political parties in the region and the oldest in Thailand. As a founding member of CALD, the party has, for much of its distinguished history, been a steadfast advocate of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We trust that these enduring values will continue to guide the party as it embarks on this new chapter.
CALD conveys its best wishes to the DP as it honors its proud legacy—a legacy that has significantly shaped Thai governance and public service—while heeding the people’s call for renewal and meaningful reform.
20 October 2025
Categorised in: Statements
This post was written by CALD
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