Abhisit Vejjajiva resigns

Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva has announced his resignation as leader of the Democrat Party after the number of MP seats taken by his party in this election is lower than the one in the 2007 general election.

At a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Mr Abhisit announced his resignation, stating that he must show responsibility for the performance of his party in this election by resigning as promised earlier.

The outgoing prime minister added that a general assembly of his party will be arranged within 90 days to select a new party leader. He then thanked all party members, supporters and party officials for their support as well as promised to work hard as good party member and MP.

Mr Abhisit showed up at the press briefing amid a group of his supporters who were weeping as he announced his resignation. Asked what he would do if he was voted to take the helm of the party once again, he refused to give comments and left the room.

Potential candidates to the post of Democrat Party leader are outgoing Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, former Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin as well as former Prime Minister and incumbent Democrat Chief Advisor Chuan Leekpai.