THE RISE TO PREMIERSHIP OF MR.BANHARN SILPA-ARCHA

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the development and political role of Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa before becoming a prime minister. This research was done by studying relevant documents: books, newspapers, articles, theses, research papers, academic papers and field data collection from interviews to be used for data analysis. The findings were as follows. In the aspect of basic personal factors, it was found that family foundation, personality, ability, knowledge and experience, being a person from an ordinary family without wealth, rhetoric, intelligence, virtue, honesty, sacrifice, attention to the common interest, knowledge, experience in work, ability to solve immediate problems, discretion, political leadership, valuing his own words had all contributed to Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa becoming a Prime Minister. However, they were just sub-factors. In the aspect of political power base factor, it was found that his power base was Chart Thai Party with the power base being from higher political position holders and kind political seniors. Additionally, it was also outside the parliamentary power such as people in Suphanburi having greatly contributed to Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa rise to important political positions.In the aspect of situational factors i.e. the political situation at the time, it was found that the political situation was very fruitful for Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa to rise to important political positions.