Somsak said he did not introduce Warawut Silapa-archa as the next Chart Thai Pattana leader because he was Banharn’s son.

“Warawut is qualified because he is a young-generation man who has experience in politics,” Somsak said.

But he added that the party’s leadership was not a legacy to be handed to an heir and the decision on who would lead the party would be made during the party’s general meeting.

Banharn, who died in April last year, headed the Chart Thai Party before it was dissolved and rebranded Chart Thai Pattana.

He became an “adviser” for the party but really ruled behind the scenes.