Atavit Suwannapakdee has been groomed for the next generation of Democrats since he was 19 and studying law at Thammasat University.

His family has worked closely with the party since he was young. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva provided him a reference so he could study financial and monetary law at Boston University.

“Abhisit also helped me choose my field of study,” Atavit said.

After graduating, he joined the Finance Ministry and worked on public debt restructuring, personal loan workouts and financial institution mergers. He found his niche to be debt.

Atavit said he was impressed with Abhisit’s determination not to interfere with judicial and parliamentary affairs if the Democrats form the government. For instance, when asked what the Democrats would do with the court cases against deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Abhisit said it was up to the courts to decide.

“I admire him for his vision. That’s why I have bonded with him since I was little,” he said.

Atavit has been campaigning since last year to get to know his constituents, organising antidrug activities in 32 communities, soccer matches and physical checkups. He frequently gives lectures on economic law to share his knowledge with the public.

The Nation