The 83-year-old veteran politician’s condition was stable, the hospital said yesterday.

His pulse and blood pressure were at manageable levels. But since he was in critical condition, needing medication, and was on a ventilator, he would remain in the intensive-care unit.

Banharn was admitted to Siriraj Hospital in the middle of the night on Wednesday. He was suffering from his chronic asthma, exhibiting symptoms of breathing difficulty and discomfort in the chest.

An 11-time member of Parliament, Banharn represented his home province of Suphan Buri and is credited for its rapid growth and development.

His Chart Thai Pattana Party colleague Somsak Prissananantakul said yesterday that the former prime minister had long suffered from asthma, and always complained about getting exhausted easily and having |difficulty breathing.

Though the doctor did not mention what had caused the acute asthma attack, Somsak noted that Banharn liked to spend his time at the City Pillar Shrine and might have breathed in smoke from the incense sticks.

Banharn also visited Suphan Buri’s Bung Chawak Aquarium construction site, where there was often dust and animal hair, which could have triggered his allergy, Somsak added.

Somsak also said the former PM, who turns 84 this August, had no other health problems other than asthma and that he went to the gym three times a week.

Many politicians paid Banharn a visit yesterday at Siriraj Hospital though he remained unconscious in the ICU where visits were restricted. Others, including former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and ex-PM Somchai Wongsawat, sent flowers.