Abhisit to bow out of politics if party loses next election

Abhisit made the remark during his address yesterday entitled “Inspirations to becoming |politicians” to Rangsit University students.

“I have little time left working in the political arena. I have no idea when the election will be held but whenever it is, I will definitely run for it. If I fail, it is the end,” he said. 

“I have been opposition party leader three times, that is enough. The fourth time is unlikely. I had earlier planned if there were not any hiccups, I would wash my hands off politics at age 50,” he said.

Abhisit said the national divide would not be resolved as long as former prime-minister Thaksin Shinawatra was adamant in not complying with the Thai legal |system. “We must ask the people what would they choose: First, do not give in to Thaksin – or wait till he dies? Second, give in to him – or allow him to win [against] the justice system? I pick number one because I have little time left,” he said.

The Democrat leader said he had pushed for a public referendum on the new charter since last year because the country had [drawn up] as many as 20 charters over the years. The plebiscite would put the stop to arguments and conflict.

Abhisit hailed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for his ideas and initiatives to reform and push the country forward – but the |former PM questioned if Prayut’s long-term strategic plans were |feasible. 

“I am not very sure that the plans can be achieved because they entirely depend on the political process. The country needs at least two governments to materialise the plans,” he said.

He also questioned if the Prayut government was being hypocritical. 

“The government is trying to set up a system – but on the other hand it does not comply with the system, for instance using Article 44 to suppress corruption. Meanwhile, the charter draft says politicians in following governments cannot transfer any bureaucrats,” he said.