AUCKLAND, NZ - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra admitted on Friday that she is resentful of reports that she might be replaced by a person being groomed as a "reserve prime minister" - widely tipped to be her elder sister.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inspects a guard of honour, comprising air force personnel, on arrival in New Zealand at the start of an official visit. Photo by Wassana Nanuam.

She said she would not be discouraged and would continue to perform her duty as prime minister.

Ms Yingluck was speaking with the Bangkok Post while on an official visit to New Zealand to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

“There were reports that some people wanted to change the prime minister, and that a reserve premier has been prepared. I feel slighted, but please let me continue to work," she said.

“There are things that I want to do, including finding money for the country. I have been working hard, but someone still wants to have a new prime minister.

“I am not discouraged by this, but will use it as an energiser to work harder because a large number of people voted for me. Many people still love me,” she said. It would not be easy to change a prime minister who was supported by the majority of voters, Ms Yingluck added.

Ms Yingluck admitted that she was not a good speaker, but people should judge her by her performance, because many people who speak skillfully do not know how to work hard.

Asked whether she had any discussions with her elder brother, fugitive former prime minister Thaksin, about the reports about a reserve premier, Ms Yingluck said it is not necessary.

“I am still the prime minister, elected under a democratic system and therefore I must perform my duty for the Thai people as long as possible,” she said.

On a remark by Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan Vorachai Hema that “the old power clique" was assembling an armed force in the eastern province of Chachoengsao as part of preparations to overthrow the government, Ms Yingluck said she had no knowledge about it.

The government and the armed forces have been working together well, there is no problem with the army chief in particular because he has been helping the government, she added.

Visiting Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (in red) gets a traditional welcome from young Maori warriors, as New Zealand Prime Minister John Key explains. Photo by Wassana Namuam.

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