Miss Universe Thailand Comments Spur Abdication

Bamgkok – Miss Universe Thailand renounced her title on Monday over remarks she made on social media including one that “red shirt” activists, supporters of ousted prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, should all be executed.

Last month’s military coup was the latest convulsion in a decade-long conflict between the Bangkok-based royalist establishment and the rural-based supporters of Yingluck and her brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Weluree Ditsayabut, 22, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand last month but comments she made months earlier soon surfaced, including one on her Facebook account, referring to the red shirts, which said: “I am so angry at all these evil activists. They should all be executed.”

A tearful Weluree told reporters that she could not handle the vitriol directed at her on Twitter and Facebook.

“I felt under pressure. I tried to improve myself but what I could not stand was to see my mother stressed,” Weluree said.

“I have decided to sacrifice my status as Miss Universe Thailand.”

The beauty queen also hit back at comments on her looks. “Actually I’m fat, you animal!” read one post on her Twitter account, which has since been deleted.

It was unclear whether first runner up Pimbongkod Chankaew would replace Weluree as Thailand’s representative at the global competition, Miss Universe 2014. (Editing by Nick Macfie)

Thailand’s military Junta, which took power after a coup on May 22nd is trying to gain global acceptance. Recently, it asked the US and UK ambassadors for a sit-down meeting with media to “clarify” outstanding issues with the two nations. Under the circumstances, even those who would agree with the remarks of Ms. Ditsayabut in the government would not welcome the controversy they court.

Last month, the 22 year-old was heavily criticised on the Internet as many Thais felt she was “too fat” to represent the country in the Miss Universe competition.

Many considered the winner (left) to be chubby compared to the popular first runner-up (right) whose body was more model-like; others say the winner looked more like a real woman than a Barbie Doll, and applauded the bold choice