Early life, education, and business career
According to his birth certificate, Banharn was born on 19 August 1932 (some sources claim 19 July) in Suphanburi to a Chinese merchant family. He was given the Chinese name Tek Chiang Chaebe (马德祥). He married Jamsai Silpa-archa and they have three children, two of them became politicians, as well.
Banharn dropped out of secondary school, when the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Thailand during World War II. He went to work with his older brother, then founded his own building company. Years later, when he was a politician, he completed his education at the open admission Ramkhamhaeng University, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1986, and finally a Master of Laws.[3]
Banharn's construction company was very successful in the 1960s, when large sums were invested into major infrastructure projects, including military facilities. His business made Banharn a billionaire.[3]
Political career[edit]