Miss Universe Thailand, Weluree “Fai” Ditsayabut, has relinquished her title following remarks she made on social media calling for the execution of “Red Shirt” supporters of ousted Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her brother, exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Weluree posted the remarks to Facebook posts months before being crowned last month, but they emerged only recently, sparking online outrage.
A tearful Weluree told reporters Monday in Bangkok that she is stepping down because she can not handle the harsh comments directed at her on Facebook and Twitter, many of which also criticized her appearance.
The anti-Red Shirt posts were made before the army staged a coup last month to remove the country’s caretaker government.
Organizers of Miss Universe Thailand say they may not promote the first runner-up Pimbongkod “Ellie” Chankaew. The reason: Pictures of her kissing a man have surfaced on the Internet.