September 27, 1996: Banharn dissolves Parliament

Banharn Silapa-archa

Banharn had been under pressure to quit after the Democrat-led opposition staged a censure debate, alleging he was disqualified from assuming the prime ministership.

The Democrats said Banharn's father was a migrant from mainland China, so he did not hold the Thai citizenship. Thus, Banharn as his son was lack of qualifications as the prime minister, whose parents must be Thai citizens, according to the law.

Although Banharn survived the censure debate, his Chat Thai Party's secretary-general Snoh Thienthong defected to back Chavalit to replace Banharn. It was followed by the New Aspiration Party withdrawing from the coalition government.

Amid growing pressure for his resignation and Chavalit's golden chance to succeed him, Banharn decided to announce he would quit by the next seven days. When the day came, however, he dissolved the House, causing fury among Chavalit and his allies.