Warawut and Sorchad joined the Suphanburi Ku Mueang community in Songkran merit-making to celebrate the Thai New Year, pledging to continue the work of Father Banhan while admitting they are not yet as skilled as him and asking for a little more time.
On 5 Apr 2026 in Suphanburi, Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry and party-list MP of the Bhumjaithai Party, along with Mr. Sorchad Sujit, MP for Suphanburi's first district from the same party, went to the Suphanburi Ku Mueang community office in Rua Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Suphanburi District. They joined a merit-making ceremony to honor monks during the Songkran festival, organized by the local community. They had the opportunity to meet and speak with residents, most of whom were retired civil servants who recalled seeing Warawut since he was a child and wished him success in his political future, hoping he would become prime minister.
Mr. Warawut said that he and Mr. Sorchad moved to the Bhumjaithai Party because if they had stayed with the Chart Thai Pattana Party, they might not have even been MPs, let alone ministers. In the previous term, he had the chance to directly serve the people as Minister of Social Development and Human Security. Now, as Minister of Industry within Bhumjaithai—which oversees multiple ministries including Interior, Transport, Commerce, and Finance—they work as a team, allowing them to serve the people of Suphanburi more fully.
Mr. Warawut expressed happiness to see everyone smiling despite the heat. He and MP Yorch continue working hard to solve problems for the Ku Mueang community. He admitted, “I may not yet be as capable as Father Banhan. Please give me a little more time. On 23 April, it will be the 10th anniversary of Father Banhan’s passing. I have only been doing this for 10 years and it has been very challenging, but Father Banhan worked for 40 years—I don’t know how he did it. I need time to hone my skills to come close to Father Banhan, because even in 100 years, no one could match him.”
Mr. Warawut said he is now following in Father Banhan’s footsteps. Father Banhan was elected MP and in 1976 became Deputy Minister of Industry. From 1988 to 1990, he served as Minister of Industry. When Warawut enters the Ministry of Industry next week, Father Banhan’s name will be there, and currently Father Banhan’s son is Minister of Industry. This is a trust given to them by the people of Suphanburi. He came to thank them and wish them a happy Thai New Year, affirming that the people of Suphanburi will never abandon each other and that every visit brings warmth and smiles.
Mr. Sorchad said that the way of working has changed and now requires more time than before. During Father Banhan’s time, administrative power was centralized. The 1997 constitution emphasized decentralization to local authorities, and the 2017 constitution emphasized public participation, requiring community involvement in all matters. Therefore, things cannot be done quickly without community consultation. Community engagement is important, and in June, at the site of the former Wat Kudi Thong school—which is being renovated into a hospital to support patients with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol who need regular medical care—this process will be critical.
