Democrat earns Bt400 million for next election campaign

Suthep said donors, both named and anonymous, had given between Bt20,000 and one Bt1 million each, so the party had received more than the Bt400 million goal it had set.

The party will hold a fundraising event tomorrow at the Bangkok International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Bitec) in preparation for the election campaign.

Activities at the fundraising event will include party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's speech entitled "The People Come First," which is also the party's slogan for the election. The speech will be broadcast on ASTV from 7.30 to 8.30pm, Suthep said.

Besides musical shows and a video presentation about the party's history, party executives and former MPs will sing in honour of His Majesty the King, he said.

The participants have been asked to dress in yellow to honour His Majesty, he said.

The party has invited foreign ambassadors as well as academics and members of the National Legislative Assembly. Moreover, it sold tickets to key members of other parties and political groups including Chat Thai leader Banharn Silapaarcha, Mahachon leader Sanan Kachornprasart, Matchima Group leader Somsak Thepsuthin and Saman Chan Group leader Suwat Liptapanlop.

A source who asked not to be named said Suthep also told the event committee to examine the sources of donated money to ensure the party has not violated the law. He even asked the committee to make sure that foreign shareholders of donor companies do not hold more than a 25 per cent share of the companies.

Yossawadee Hongthong

The Nation