In an exclusive Thairath Talk interview, Vorawut Silpa-archa openly addressed all controversies about leaving the Chartthaipattana Party, founded by his father Banharn Silpa-archa, to join the new home, Bhumjaithai Party, which is not a Silpa-archa family domain. He revealed insights into the big deal, financial matters, promises about becoming the next prime minister after Anutin Charnvirakul, as well as prior rumors about being named a Pheu Thai prime minister candidate, and the legendary history of Chartthaipattana, including the close relationship between Banharn and Thaksin Shinawatra, among many other topics.
Thairath Talk, having been in the political arena for a long time, straightforwardly asked: Does the concept of 'political integrity' truly exist?
It does. During the Chartthaipattana government, when Bhumjaithai split from Pheu Thai and formed a new government, we were seriously concerned about our options. The conclusion was to cooperate with Pheu Thai. We stayed together until the end. This was a hallmark of Mr. Banharn. Or back in 2007 when Chart Thai joined forces with the People's Power Party, we stayed united until the parties were dissolved one after another.
This time, we stayed with Pheu Thai and served as opposition, fully aware of the situation, but we stuck together until the end. That was the promise we made when Pheu Thai invited us to join the government.
Speaking on this, I found it odd that when we decided to side with Pheu Thai, some called me a 'eel.' I wondered what logic they used. It's strange, but when the parliament dissolves, everything restarts and decisions are reconsidered.
Thairath Talk noted that some joked Chartthaipattana's nickname wasn't just 'eel,' but 'eel wearing skates,' implying anyone in power could jump in.
That nickname wasn’t from my father; it came from others. Since his passing, I prefer not to discuss it. On the contrary, anyone who worked with Banharn knew that when a matter was settled, it was truly settled. Regardless of social media narratives, for me, my father, Banharn Silpa-archa, upheld his word and integrity above all, which is why we speak of 'sachcha katanyu'—truthfulness and gratitude.
Thairath Talk asked about the close friendship between Banharn and Thaksin Shinawatra, since Banharn helped nurture this leader. Did he ever share stories about their closeness or political exchanges?
I admit my father and Thaksin were very close. They had continually supported each other in business and work. I often say Thaksin is like a senior relative to me. Don't forget, he was the chairman at my wedding 24 years ago. It wasn't just Thaksin; Khunying Potjaman and Prime Minister Praethong also have long-standing ties. My father always admired Thaksin.
Thairath Talk asked because there were rumors, though never confirmed by Vorawut himself, about a deal to become a Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate.
I acknowledge that discussions took place—that is true. But I am not as strong-willed as my father Banharn, nor a leader who bangs the table declaring we will move left or right entirely. So the decision was collectively made by all 10 members of Chartthaipattana. I prioritize acting as a bloc rather than individuals going different ways, which led to our decision.
Thairath Talk clarified: Am I correct that you were invited alone as a candidate, not the whole party?
I always say if invited, all 10 of us would go together. I told them if we move, we move as a group of 10. The decision was made collectively by all 10 members.
Asked about the timing of the invitation, he said it developed gradually. Changing parties is a huge matter—no one wants to leave unnecessarily. But after the 2019 and 2023 elections, we had only 10 MPs and managed just one ministry. This led us to seek a bigger platform for the next election.
Thairath Talk revisited the Pheu Thai outreach: Was it from the highest authority in Pheu Thai who contacted you as a candidate?
There were talks with the party’s executive committee and several discussions.
Thairath Talk asked directly whether the courtship came from Thaksin Shinawatra himself.
Let's say it was from senior party figures (smiles). We must respect Pheu Thai. I thank them for honoring me and my team. So I just say it was contact from senior party leaders.
Thairath Talk asked: Was it a phone call or a face-to-face meeting?
Both happened—calls and face-to-face meetings.
Thairath Talk noted this was the first time Vorawut revealed this, and he could have withheld details.
I promise with sincerity this is the first time I am revealing this on your program. This is honesty.
Thairath Talk asked if those with influence promised him he would be the first or sole prime minister candidate of Pheu Thai.
No, they did not.
Thairath Talk suggested he might have been one among several candidates, possibly one, two, or three.
I am not bothered—I never wanted to be prime minister. Whoever wants to be can do so. I prefer to be a deputy prime minister.
Thairath Talk asked how he felt about leaving the party his father built to join one his father did not found, Bhumjaithai.
Some say I abandoned my father's legacy. I see it differently: If I had refused to leave and stayed in Chartthaipattana with only two members left, that would be abandoning Banharn’s legacy. And don't think Banharn’s legacy is just Chartthaipattana. It’s what he built not only in Suphanburi but for the entire country—North, Central, Northeast, and South. He left many achievements.
If I had left carelessly, that would be abandoning his legacy. But seeking a stronger new home to serve the people is continuing my father's vision—addressing citizens' hardships and solving problems. My move preserves Banharn Silpa-archa’s principles and heritage.
Thairath Talk noted critics saying Bhumjaithai is not their home, not a Silpa-archa house.
I ask back: Was Chartthaipattana really our home? We agreed from the start that Chart Thai was not built by Banharn but by others; he only led it for a time. The party is a vehicle to carry MPs and ideas into tangible form. If we can't succeed in the old vehicle or home,
we become an additional puzzle piece joining Bhumjaithai, strengthening our party together.
Thairath Talk asked when Anutin courted him to join Bhumjaithai.
Talks began about a month before parliament dissolved, with multiple discussions ongoing. Party leader Phee Nu made me feel like I was not switching parties but helping an elder brother.
Thairath Talk asked if there was a deal after Anutin became prime minister and if the next prime minister would be Vorawut.
I don’t want to be prime minister; I like being a deputy prime minister. Whoever wants to be candidate can, but I’m not desperate for it.
Thairath Talk asked if Bhumjaithai, not founded by his father, is a temporary or permanent home.
We haven’t discussed that far. I promise Phee Nu and everyone that every minute I wear Bhumjaithai’s shirt, I will devote all my energy to support Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister.
Thairath Talk asked about rumors of receiving hundreds of millions or billions to switch parties—is that true?
If I had gotten hundreds of millions, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking with you now (smiles).
Thairath Talk asked if Anutin promised him a ministerial seat.
The truth is, after elections, parties negotiate over how many seats they get. From 500 MPs, coalition parties divide seats proportionally—7 to 1, 8 to 1. Some say it’s like dividing a cake. That’s how Thai politics works. For instance, Anutin invited Supachai Ekniti Sihasak to be a minister, corresponding to a quota of over 20 MPs. Amidst this, I believe no party dares bring in outsiders or professionals and immediately declare ministerial posts like Bhumjaithai does.
When the time comes, negotiations happen again. That’s the reality. I sympathize with voters, but this is the truth. If I have 30 MPs, I can negotiate for certain positions. If fewer, less leverage. Thus, post-election politics is much like business.
If you want a good position, you must have MPs to back you, because votes in parliament count MPs. It’s a harsh truth in politics but the democracy we discuss—from past to present.
Thairath Talk asked if he has discussed which ministry he wants.
I am not part of any faction. Now I’m in Bhumjaithai, which is one party. Any ministry is fine. My expertise isn’t tied to a specific ministry. Even if I don’t become a minister, I will work diligently if called upon.