PUBLISHED : 19 Jan 2026 at 05:53

A supporter takes a selfie with Abhisit Vejjajiva, the leader of the Democrat Party, at Suan Luang Rama IX Park on Sunday. (Photo: Democrat Party)

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged the government to pursue a more proactive diplomatic strategy to ease rising tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border, warning that renewed clashes would only deepen hardship for border communities and undermine regional stability.

Speaking during a visit to Suan Luang Rama IX Park, Mr Abhisit, leader of the Democrat Party and a prime ministerial candidate, said the recent build-up of Cambodian forces and heavy weapons was a worrying signal that required urgent diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.

"The world is watching this situation closely, and there is already an understanding that there should be no further fighting," he said.

"Thailand should use proactive diplomacy to ensure the international community makes it clear that once a ceasefire is in place, there must be no reinforcement of troops or deployment of heavy weapons, as that would amount to a violation of the agreement.

"We want peace. We are standing our ground, but there must be guarantees that the other side does not escalate the situation," he said.

Asked whether he feared a third round of clashes, Mr Abhisit said he hoped it could be avoided. He urged the government to act decisively through diplomacy to restore confidence that the situation would stabilise, and lay the groundwork for medium- and long-term solutions.

If his party were to form the next government, Mr Abhisit said its approach would begin with building understanding within Asean and with major powers, alongside firm assurances that Cambodia would not violate Thailand’s sovereignty. While reiterating full support for the armed forces and the need to enhance military capabilities for self-defence, he emphasised that diplomacy must remain the priority.

On the political front, Mr Abhisit said any future coalition involving the Democrats would be based on integrity, a serious commitment to tackling corruption and a focus on national reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Jurin Laksanawisit, former Democrat leader and a party-list candidate, was hopeful about the party’s prospects in Bangkok. Campaigning in the Lat Phrao–Bueng Kum area, Mr Jurin said the Democrats had failed to win a single House seat in the capital in two consecutive elections, but signs on the ground suggested a turnaround was possible this time.