The wife of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul apologised on Saturday for asking reporters why they were being so ‘mean’ to her husband.
Thananon Niramit, 32, said via Instagram on Saturday that she had absolutely no intention to threaten reporters or devalue the work of the media.
The issue was raised by People’s Party MP Pukkamon Nunarnan, and many people agreed with her that the behaviour of Ms Thananon could be considered as threatening to reporters who were doing their duty.
The brief encounter happened on Oct 28 when Prime Minister Anutin arrived at Don Mueang Airport after his trip in Malaysia.
He stopped to speak to the reporters waiting there for a moment, with questions concerning a Thai-Cambodian issue, agreements on critical minerals and trade frameworks, and allegations that a coalition MP received money from scammers. He answered some of them and ended the session due to his rushed schedule.
‘Why are you so mean to the prime minister? Next time I will remember. . This is too much,’ Ms Thananon said as she greeted the media crew with a wai and a smile before leaving.
The scene was recorded and shared online.
‘It was meant as a playful remark, but I understand it might be perceived as inappropriate or made some feel uncomfortable,’ Ms Thananon wrote on her Instagram. ‘I had absolutely no intention to threaten or devalue the work of the media.
‘I truly accept the feedback and suggestions from everyone and assure to always hold respect for the press,’ she said.