The Silapa-archa family fights for political survival after Chart Thai party is dissolved

Are the Silapa-archas heading for extinction on the country's political scene?

Unlikely, but yesterday's court ruling dissolving their Chart Thai party along with two of its ruling-coalition partners, the People's Power and Matchima Thipataya parties, puts an end to 30 years of the Silapa-archas' dominating political presence.

The Silapa-archa name had become synonymous with the Chart Thai brand. As head of the family, Banharn, 75, was secretary general for 15 years then party leader for another 15. The veteran politician, whose voter base is in the central province of Suphan Buri, was Thai prime minister from July, 1995 to November, 1996.

Slippery 'eel party'

The court ruling must be a crushing blow for Banharn, who had built a party that became a major component in many coalition governments. But Chart Thai has also been mocked by the press as the "eel party", for its perceived ability to twist and turn its policies for political gain.

The second generation of Chart Thai's Silapa-archa dynasty is represented by Banharn's son Varawut and daughter Kanchana.

"I'm sure my dad will fight on," says Kanchana. "He's been through turbulent times before. Today may not be our day, but things could change radically in the next five years."

While he's not giving up just yet, it must be one of most painful moments in Banharn's life to see the party that was founded in 1974 by the Rajakru Group led by Pol Gen Pramarn Adireksarn dissolved under his leadership.

But it was something he had been fearing. On November 15, Banharn shared his worries with party members on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Chart Thai. He told them he had visited sacred shrines to pray for the party's protection.

Still reeling from the blow, it's probably to early for Banharn to begin the search for an heir for the family's political hopes. The only candidates seem to be his wife Khunying Jamsai and his youngest daughter, Parichat, but neither is interested in politics.

Jamsai may have supported Banharn throughout his political career but she likes a low profile and is certainly no Pojaman Shinawatra or Yaowabha Wongsawat. Parichat earns a living by teaching yoga.

Banharn is now weighing up two choices: to form a new party, or move the remaining 15 Chart Thai MPs to another party.