Ex-prime minister and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Monday that he understood the need to localise democracy, but stressed that “Thai-ism democracy” – a term used on Saturday by PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha in reference to what he said would be “Thai-styled democracy” – should not be an excuse to neglect universal democratic values.

Going against the people’s will could be dangerous, and discussing the future of politics at this juncture without first seeing the public’s opinion in a general election was tantamount to disrespecting the people, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva warned on Tuesday.