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Published on July 22, 2007

The former opposition Democrat Party yesterday touted a vision of democratic rule, economic fixes, education reform and peaceful resolution of the southern unrest as its platform for the next election.

The party also got a total of Bt427 million in its first major fund-raising effort ahead of the August 19 national referendum on the new constitution.

The platform is "practical", said party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, urging the public to give the party a chance to run the post-coup government.

As the first party to have started its pre-election publicity blitz, the Democrats have an edge over rival parties, especially those that were former factions of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party.

Last week, the National Legislative Assembly approved an amendment of the Council for National Security's announcement No 15, allowing the registration of these new political parties.

Other former opposition parties such as Chat Thai and Mahachon have not yet kicked off their publicity campaigns.

Still, all parties are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the referendum on the new charter as they prepare for the general election, tentatively scheduled for December.

Democrat leader Abhisit said the restoration of democratic rule was the linchpin of his four-point campaign for the general election.

"Democrats deem it time for effecting drastic changes to uproot chronic problems and meet the people's aspirations by serving them with honesty; this is the time for 'People First'," he said, rallying his party behind the campaign slogan.

Abhisit spoke about the four campaign platform planks before closing a two-day party convention attended by some 600 ranking Democrats.

"The root cause of the misery plaguing the Thai people is the political situation, in which past governments were mired by poor administration, lack of leadership and lack of democracy," he said.

Abhisit added that the Democrats were determined to bring about a "new and democratic" era in Thai politics.

"The country has had enough of undemocratic rule and corrupt leadership," he said.

The party's pledge to advance democracy is the focal point of its election campaign.

Another platform plank is the development of human resources, he said.

"Quality education is going to be the country's No-1 investment, and free education up to the secondary level must be available to all and not just a fancy provision in the charter," he said.

The party's third campaign plank is revitalising the economy, with focus on the farming sector, the rural economy, the development of transportation infrastructure and the promotion of alternative energy sources.

The fourth plank is quelling violence in the South and restoring peace and normalcy in the three southernmost provinces.

Reacting to the Democrat leader's speech, Thai Rak Thai group member Kuthep Saikrajang said Abhisit could dream about becoming the next prime minister, though the junta was unlikely to relinquish power to him.

"I don't think the Democrats can deliver what they promise," he said.

Matchima group member Sophon Phetsawang said it was uncertain whether Abhisit would lead the next government because everything hinged on which party won the mandate to form a coalition.