Samak demands gratitude from Banharn

Banharn

Samak is trying hard to get Banharn to switch alliances and side with his party. During a seminar organised by the People Power Party, Samak wooed Banharn, saying the latter had vowed to be an ally of the People Power Party for good.

Later, Samak also said he helped Banharn when the latter faced problems over his father's nationality.

In September 1996, the Democrat-led opposition had staged a censure debate against the Banharn administration, alleging he should be disqualified from assuming the prime ministership.

The Democrats had said Banharn's father was a migrant from mainland China, so he did not hold Thai citizenship. Thus, Banharn as his son lacked the qualification needed by a prime minister that both parents must be Thai citizens according to the law.

Although Banharn survived the censure debate, but he was forced to dissolve the Lower House after then Chart Thai Party secretary-general Snoh Thienthong defected, backing Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to replace Banharn. Chavalit's New Aspiration Party then withdrew from the coalition government.

Banharn decided to announce he would quit by the next seven days. When the day came, however, he dissolved the House, causing fury among Chavalit and his allies.

Samak reminded Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa that he had vowed to be an ally of the People Power Party for good.

Banharn had announced two weeks ago that he would not join with the People Power Party to form the next government but his party will side with the Democrats and support Abhisit to become the next PM.

Samak said why Banharn had to make such abiding commitment and cut ties with his party before he even knows the election result.