A large number of politicians, from both the government and opposition blocs, and officials turned up at the residence of Chartthaipattana Party chief adviser Banharn Silpa-archa on Charan Saniwong road to wish him a happy 81st birthday on Monday.
Chartthaipattana Party chief adviser Banharn Silpa-archa, left, talks to Thaksin Shinawatra on the phone with Somchai Wongsawat, right, of the Pheu Thai Party looks on. (Photo by Chanat Katanya)
Important figures from the Pheu Thai Party who turned up to offer Mr Banharn birthday wishes included Prime Minister's Office Minister Varathep Rattanakorn, former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Voravat Au-apinyakul and Charupong Ruangsuwan.
Mr Charupong, the Pheu Thai leader, put Mr Banharn on the line to talk to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Suthep Thaugsuban of the Democrat Party and Chartthaipattana Party leader Theera Wongsamut were also present.
Mr Banharn, a former prime minister, called for all of his well-wishers to join hands for national reconciliation ahead of the launch of the Asean Economic Community.
He reiterated his intention of attending the political reform forum, which will hold its first meeting on Aug 25, and said he would try to persuade the opposition and the People's Alliance for Democracy to also take part.