Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana was this aftetnoon chosen as the leader of the pro-junta Palang Pracharat Party.

Speaking after his appointment at the party’s general meeting, Uttama said he will not resign from the Cabinet and insisted that he will not take advantage of his political position for political interest.

Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong was made party’s secretary general and Minister of PM’s Office Kobsak Pootrakul as party’s spokesman. Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee was appointed a member of its executive committee.

The Palang Pracharat Party is believed to have been set up to back Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s return to power after the election.Three former Democrat MPs, namely Puttipong Punnakan, Nataphol Teepsuwan, Sakoltee Phattiyakul, were also expected to join the party.