Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa examines one of the 12 bamboo tubes in which Sonthaya Khunplome, far left, and his faction submitted applications to rejoin the party yesterday.

He was speaking at the celebration of the party's 32nd anniversary at his home, which was attended by representatives of other political parties. Sonthaya Khunplome, leader of the Chon Buri faction which defected to the Thai Rak Thai Party, presented Banharn with 12 applications for Chat Thai membership rolled up in bamboo stems.

Sonthaya explained that the bamboo containers are synonymous with Chon Buri province, whose speciality is khao lam - a rice sweet in bamboo tubes.

Banharn thanked the well-wishers and spoke about the party's history.

"Chat Thai has often been an opposition party, but after the [next] election we could return to be in the government," he said.

Banharn recalled his party had been in opposition in 1994 but then led the government the next year with him as prime minister.

Speaking about the return of Sonthaya and his faction, he said: "Although he left Chat Thai for many years, he hasn't changed. He always celebrated New Year,

my birthday or the party's birthday.

"We have had a connection through Sonthaya's parents. This relationship never ended and it will continue into future life," he said.

Sonthaya said he rejoined Chat Thai because his faction wanted to, but dismissed talk that he would be given the post of party secretary-general.

"My position depends on the party. I have not set any conditions and my return didn't create conflict with Thai Rak Thai," he said.

Asked about the possibility that Sonthaya would replace him, current secretary-general Praphat Potisuthon said it depended on the party meeting. Yet it would be good if Sonthaya became secretary-general and made the party strong, he said.

Nerisa Nerykhiew

The Nation