Banharn Bids Farewell For 5 Years

[mc2]

Banharn bids farewell for 5 years

By Nerisa Nerykhiew

The Nation

Published on December 4, 2008

Banharn Silapa-archa, leader of the dissolved Chart Thai Party, vows to return to politics in five years, as soon as his ban comes to an end. He will be 81 by then.

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.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/12/04...cs_30090169.php

[mc2]

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."

Good to see him take responsibility...

but then this:

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.

[Neeranam]

Good riddance - one of the most corrupt politicians of his time.

[mrtoad]

Good riddance - one of the most corrupt politicians of his time.

Very true, but sadly the slippery eel has a habit of wriggling out of things, and no doubt he will have one of his cronies or family members sitting as a proxy.

[Briggsy]

Banharn('s largesse) is loved by the people of Suphanburi.