Abhisit resigns as Democrat leader

Outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resigned as leader of the Democrat Party yesterday after its resounding defeat in Sunday's general election, but stopped short of dismissing the possibility of returning to the helm if he wins re-endorsement.

The party will have 90 days to elect a successor, but Abhisit's cryptic comment that his future would "depend on the party" and the overwhelming show of sympathy from Democrat supporters gave rise to speculation that he could be re-nominated for the top post.

Thousands of Abhisit's fans flooded his Facebook page immediately after he announced his resignation in the morning in a solemn farewell that brought tears to many Democrats' eyes.

"To be a leader means you are required to show responsibility, so I have decided to quit my post as the party leader after the party won fewer House seats in this election than the previous one," Abhisit said. However, he gave the winner, the Pheu Thai Party, a stern warning that he would continue to actively perform his duty as an opposition MP, particularly on matters involving the rule of law.

"I will play my role creatively, keeping in mind the importance of political peace in Thailand," he said. "But I will oppose to the best of my ability any plan or proposal that could compromise our country's principles or the rule of law."

He was asked twice if he would return to the helm. He did not answer the first time but later he said: "That'll depend on the party." He left the party's headquarters for home after that, following many tearful hugs from Democrat members.

Abhisit and the executive committee, which automatically lost its post following his decision, will continue to be caretaker leaders of the Democrats until a replacement is installed.

Former Democrat leader and Abhisit's mentor Chuan Leekpai hailed his decision to resign but left open the possibility of his (Abhisit's) immediate return as the leader.

"He is a responsible man and he gave the party his word," Chuan said. "In my opinion, he's a capable man who can still lead the party, but we shouldn't be talking about it at the moment."

It was reported that Abhisit tried to contact Chuan before announcing his decision, but the ex-leader could not be reached.

Several names have been mentioned as Abhisit's potential successor. They include Korn Chatikavanij, Apirak Kosayodhin, Surin Pitsuwan, and Jurin Laksanavisit. Chuan's return was also speculated, although the ex-leader has always indicated it was not possible.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, who resigned alongside Abhisit, said the party leadership had to show responsibility after Sunday's loss that gave the Pheu Thai Party a clear mandate to form the new government.

"We have our strong culture and we will be a strong opposition," said Suthep, who also took a swipe at the winner by saying the Democrats would "abide by the rules" when doing its job in opposition. He added that Democrat supporters must accept the poll results because "This is democracy."

Asked if he expected to return as secretary-general, Suthep quipped: "If we still want the posts, why did we have to resign? We came together, so we will go together."

Only a few minutes after Abhisit's resignation announcement, his Facebook account was flooded with over 2,500 comments, mostly from supporters.

The Democrat Party won 159 seats in Sunday's election, compared with 165 seats four years ago. While the numbers of seats won in the two elections did not differ much, the Democrats suffered a big defeat in the party-list category, winning only 10 million votes compared with about 12 million votes in 2007.