The Democrat Party (พรรค ประชาธิปัตย์ Pak Prachatipat) is Thailand's oldest political party and presently its largest opposition party.
Founded in 1946 as a conservative, monarchist party, the Democrat Party evolved into an outspoken opponent of military involvement in politics and it was one of the major forces during Thailand's turbulent years, often in power for a short while until the next coup and subsequent episode of military dictatorship. A key member of the "People Power" movement in 1992, the Democrat Party under Chuan Leekpai led two coalition governments afterwards.
The Democrat Party moved back into the opposition in 2001 after the sudden rise of Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai party, winning only 128 seats compared to the TRT's 248. The party lost further ground in the 2005 elections, after which party leader Banyat Bantadtan resigned. In 2004 however the Democrat Party's Apirak Kosayothin won the Bangkok gubernational elections . On March 6 2005 Abhisit Vejjajiva was elected as the new party leader.
The party is generally considered a liberal party and is a member of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats.
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Last updated: 06-25-2005 05:58:22
