Abhisit quits as party leader

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva announces his resignation at the party's headquarters in Bangkok on late Sunday night. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva announces his resignation at the party's headquarters in Bangkok on late Sunday night. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

Abhisit Vejjajiva on late Sunday night resigned as the leader of the Democrat Party to show responsibility for the electoral failure of his party.

Mr Abhisit told a brief press conference at the Democrat headquarters at about 9.50pm that it was clear that polling results were different from his targets for House seats' rankings and numbers of his party and he apologised for his failure to present the concepts of his party to pave the way for its success in the election.

He also announced the party's wish to join a government coalition.

"I apologise to the fellows who share ideals, both former MPs and newcomers, for their failure to enter the House. I must take responsibility. Therefore, I resign as the party leader from now on," Mr Abhisit said.

"Thanks to those who have supported me. I will continue my work for the party. I must keep my word," he said.

Earlier, he had announced that he would resign as the party leader if his party won less than 100 House seats.

It was estimated at about 10pm that the party would have 30 constituency MPs.


Learn from listening

Click play to listen to audio for this story, or download to save the file
: :

Vocabulary

  • coalition: a temporary union of different political parties that agree to form a government together - พรรคร่วมรัฐบาล
  • concept: a principle or idea - ความคิด
  • constituency (noun): a particular group of people in society who are likely to support a person, an idea or a product - กลุ่ม
  • fellow: used for talking about people who are similar to you or are in the same situation - เพื่อนร่วมชะตากรรม
  • House of Representatives: the main lawmaking body in Thailand - สภาผู้แทนราษฎร
  • resign: to leave a job permanently - ลาออกจากตำแหน่ง
  • responsibility: a duty; a duty to deal with or take care of somebody/something, so that you may be blamed if something goes wrong - ความรับผิดชอบ
  • target: a particular number or amount that you want to achieve - เป้าหมาย

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT
MORE IN SECTION