Democrats roll out ‘Thailand Out of Poverty’ poll platform

'Deep-rooted' issues need immediate fixes

- POST REPORTERS

The Democrat Party has kicked off its election campaign by declaring zero tolerance for poverty, grey capital and corruption.

The party yesterday launched its run for government under the slogan "Thailand Out of Poverty", which it says reflects deep-rooted problems that have left many Thais "breathing day by day" amid unresolved livelihood, social, quality-of-life and corruption issues.

Former prime minister and party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, joined by deputy leader Sakoltee Phattiyakul, also introduced the party's 33 prospective parliamentary candidates for Bangkok, covering every constituency in the capital.

Mr Abhisit said the Feb 8 election had drawn the highest number of individuals seeking to contest Bangkok seats, necessitating a rigorous, multilayered screening process.

While some steps may have appeared tedious, he said the vetting was more intensive than that of other political parties.