Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is preparing to return as the leader of the Democrat Party at an extraordinary general assembly on Saturday, where members will also elect a new executive board.
Mr Abhisit, 61, served as the Democrats’ seventh leader from March 2005 to March 2019, and will return as the 10th leader of Thailand’s oldest political party, a party source said on Friday.
Several notable figures are also expected to take key roles on the party’s new executive committee, as it strives to reverse the steep decline in its influence and popularity over the last decade.
Among the most anticipated appointments is that of Chaiwut Bannawat, a former deputy party leader, who is tipped to become the new secretary-general. Mr Chaiwut is known to be a long-time confidant of Mr Abhisit and is widely trusted within the party ranks.
Mr Abhisit has reportedly finalised his executive lineup, a blend of seasoned politicians and new faces, which will be formally introduced after he is elected as leader.
Members are also awaiting a policy vision statement from Mr Abhisit as he outlines his roadmap to revitalise the party, said the source.
Among those tipped for key posts are Sakolthee Phattiyakul, a former deputy Bangkok governor, who is expected to be named deputy leader overseeing Bangkok affairs.
Other appointments include Songkran Jitsuttiphakorn, former Nakhon Sawan MP, as deputy leader for the North; Satit Pitutecha, as deputy leader for the Central region, continuing his previous role; and Chaichana Dechdecho, as deputy leader for the South, also retaining his current position.
In addition, Korn Chatikavanij, a former leader of the Kla Party and former finance minister, will join the Democrat executive team as a deputy leader with a designated mission. Also joining in a similar capacity is Ms Karndee Leopairote, a futurist and digital asset expert.
TikTok Juree Numkaew, a well-known TikTok personality, will be named deputy leader with a special mission.
Pongsakorn Kwanmuang is expected to be named the new party spokesperson. He is the son of Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang, a former Bangkok governor and currently a list-MP of the United Thai Nation Party.
Mr Abhisit made the decision to return as leader of the Democrat Party last month, according to Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former Democrat MP for Trang.
‘The return of Mr Abhisit will bring hope and raise the morale of party members in the wake of political conflict and challenges,’ Mr Sathit said
The leadership position has been vacant since Chalermchai Sri-on resigned last month, citing health reasons.
Oxford-educated Mr Abhisit first entered politics as an MP for Bangkok in March 1992. He led the Democrats from March 2005 to March 2019, and was Thailand’s 27th prime minister from December 2008 to August 2011.
He resigned as party leader to take responsibility for a major electoral setback in 2019. After winning 100 seats or more in elections going back to 1996, the Democrats managed just 53 seats in the 2019 poll. Their seat total fell to 25 in the 2023 election.