The BBC profiles Thailand’s new prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, the English-born, Oxford-educated leader of Thailand’s opposition Democrat Party. Young and photogenic, though not known as particularly dynamic, he has a reputation for “clean politics”. Distinctly upper-class, Mr Abhisit hails from a wealthy family of Thai-Chinese origin. Both his parents were medical professors.

Read the original:
Profile: Abhisit Vejjajiva

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is the English-born, Oxford-educated 44-year-old leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party.

Young and photogenic, though not known as particularly dynamic, he has a reputation for “clean politics”. Distinctly upper-class, Mr Abhisit hails from a wealthy family of Thai-Chinese origin. Both his parents were medical professors.

abhisit 350X250
In 1992, Mr Abhisit joined Thailand's oldest party, the Democrats and, at the age of 27, entered parliament as one of its youngest ever members. Having tried and failed to become party leader in 2001, he eventually got the post in 2005.

He was born in the British city of Newcastle in 1964 and educated at England’s top public school, Eton. He then went on to gain a degree in politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) at Oxford University.

About the author

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You May Also Like

Thai voters deliver a surprise blow to military rule

The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) and the populist Pheu Thai Party, both opposed to the military’s influence over politics, won the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote in Sunday’s election.

Thailand’s Digital Money Campaign to be launched in Feb. 2024

The Thai government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, aims to launch its much-anticipated digital money campaign by February 2024.

How Political Uncertainty impacts Thailand’s recovery

The Election Commission in Thailand’s investigation into the ownership of shares by the main prime minister candidate has increased political uncertainty, which may hurt market sentiment.