Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat Party's prime ministerial candidate and party leader, has announced the party's lineup for the upcoming parliamentary elections, leading a team of candidates in all 33 constituencies across Bangkok. He acknowledged that some candidates currently hold power in these areas but emphasized the readiness and commitment of the Democrat Party.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Abhisit unveiled the candidates at the Thai-Japanese Din Daeng Sports Complex. He highlighted that most of the candidates are newcomers who have already been active in their respective areas and are now completing the legal procedures necessary for registration. This marks the largest number of candidates ever fielded by the party in Bangkok, a testament to the thorough selection process led by the deputy party leader and the selection committee.

Mr. Abhisit stressed the importance of candidates presenting ideas and policies that cater to the needs of Bangkok residents. He emphasized that while immediate issues such as traffic and air pollution require systematic solutions, economic challenges like increasing worker income and leveraging technology for new income streams also need attention.

Discussing the party's prospects in Bangkok, where the Democrat Party has historically been strong, Mr. Abhisit acknowledged the current competition in the area. He remarked that no party can claim monopoly over any area, highlighting the necessity of competition. Although it may be premature to fully assess the situation, he noted a positive reception over the past two months.

When questioned about the party's popularity since his return as leader, Mr. Abhisit advised against relying on personal judgments, instead pointing to scientific opinion polls that indicate positive trends for the party.