Democrat Party Holds 80th-Year Alumni Reunion in Bangkok
The Democrat Party celebrated its 80th anniversary with a lively alumni reunion at Bangkok’s Athinee Hotel, attended by current leaders Abhisit Vejjajiva and Chuan Leekpai, as well as a sole Bhumjaithai MP, Yuparaj Buain, who denied rumors of a party ban. Former leaders Chalermchai Sri-on and Jurin Laksanawisit were notably absent. Speakers emphasized the party’s commitment to honest politics and its readiness to serve both in government and opposition.
The event, held on October 8, 2026, marked eight decades since the founding of the Democrat Party. Attendees included current party leaders such as Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai, Chaiwut Bunnawat, secretary‑general Korn Chatikavanij, and deputy leader Kanokrat Luewairoj, as well as former heads of the party Banyat Bantadthan and other senior figures. Among the alumni were former secretary‑general Suthep Thaugsuban, former secretary‑general Pradit Pattrasuppasit, former Bangkok governor Pijit Rattakul, and numerous former MPs including Chumpon Jolchai, Thaworn Senniyam, Chinworn Bunyakat, Sawit Pho‑wiha, Jatuporn Chai‑saeng, and others. Also present were Bhumjaithai MP Yuparaj Buain from Phetchabun, who said he had been personally invited by Abhisit Vejjajiva and rejected claims that his party had barred him from attending. Notable absentees were former party chiefs Chalermchai Sri-on and Jurin Laksanawisit. The program featured exhibitions on the party’s political history and a message board where Abhisit wrote ‘Standing with the people, standing with democracy, at age one hundred’ and Chuan Leekpai wrote ‘Honest politics’. In his opening remarks, Chuan Leekpai reflected on the party’s origins in 1976, stressing that true political work requires readiness to serve both as government and opposition, and that integrity is essential for effective scrutiny.
