Banharn puts his Chart Thai to rest

On Tuesday, the Constitution Court disbanded the party due to electoral fraud and revoked the voting rights of party executives for five years. Banharn's children Kanchana and Varawut were among those who have been banned.

During a ceremony held yesterday to bid the 34-year-old party a final farewell, Banharn emotionally declared: "It was my fault. I am sorry I could not keep the party together."

All Chart Thai executives and party members had come to the event dressed in black and some even brought along cameras to commemorate the occasion. Later, they ceremoniously covered the party's nameplate with a black cloth as Banharn delivered the farewell speech.

It became an emotional affair as some former party members said tearful goodbyes.

Banharn said it was acceptable if the court had dissolved the party just so the People's Alliance for Democracy would end its rallies at the Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Former Chart Thai party-list MP Chuwit Kamolvisit came to the function with a bouquet of flowers for Banharn, saying he was sorry the party had been dissolved. However, he said the ageing leader could use this time to get some rest.

Chuwit also advised Banahrn to not nominate his brother as the new Chart Thai Pattana Party's leader, because, he said, Suphan Buri had many other good people.