Thailand Election 2024: Why Abhisit Vejjajiva Remains Relevant Despite Long Odds

In the upcoming Thai election, Abhisit Vejjajiva's Democrat Party enters the race not as a frontrunner, but as an established political force that could potentially influence the next government. Despite low polling predictions of winning no more than 40 seats, Abhisit remains a significant figure in the conservative political camp. The 61-year-old Oxford-educated politician might still play a crucial role through a potential minority coalition government or as a deputy prime minister. His party aims to restore Thailand to what they describe as its former prominence, though his controversial role in the 2010 political crackdown continues to challenge his electoral prospects. Abhisit maintains optimism about winning seats in Bangkok and remains one of only two former prime ministers seeking to return to national leadership.