AP PhotoJust weeks after being crowned Miss Universe Thailand, Weluree "Fai" Ditsayabut has stepped down from her title after receiving criticism for comments she made against the country's pro-government activists.
The 22-year-old beauty queen broke the news to reporters in Bangkok earlier this week, saying, "I felt under pressure, I tried to improve myself but what I could not stand was to see my mother stressed."
Shortly after Ditsayabut won the competition on May 17, controversial comments she made on her Facebook page that predated the contest were resurfaced.
She referred to pro-government demonstrators, who are known as Redshirts, as "dirty" and "evil activists" that should "all be executed."
She added, "I am not neutral. I am on the side of His Majesty the King."
According to local news site Khaosod English, Ditsayabut originally posted the message on her social media account back in November, just as the country's political crisis started.
She also reportedly said that the country would be cleaner if the redshirts left Thailand.
And during an interview on Thailand's Channel 3, the young pageant winner (who is also a talk show host, actress, and student at Kasetsart University's English department) appeared apologetic and spoke about regretting her post.
"I was careless. I was young. I did it recklessly," she explained.