Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana announced today that he was ready to lead the pro-junta Palang Pracharat Party.

Mr Uttama and Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong arrived at the Grand Diamond ballroom of Impact Muang Thong Thani to attend the general meeting of the Palang Pracharat Party in the afternoon.

Sontirat told reporters that he came here to apply as a member of the party and whatever position he would be appointed to in the party depended on the party and its members.

Earlier it was speculated that four cabinet ministers would join the Palang Pracharat Party.  The two others besides Uttama and Sontirat are Science and Technology Minister Suvit Maesincee, and PM’s Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakool.

Mr Uttama is expected to become the party’s leader, Mr Sontirat the party’s secretary-general, Mr Suvit deputy party leader and Mr Kobsak  party spokesman.

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.

Ittipol Khunpluem, an assistant to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat, and his wife, former culture minister Sukumol Khunpluem, were also expected to attend the meeting.

Three former Democrat MPs, namely Puttipong Punnakan, Nataphol Teepsuwan, Sakoltee Phattiyakul, were also expected to be present.