He said people who speculated that he would resign wanted to damage the government because he oversaw the country’s security and police affairs.

“If I’m ousted it would affect government stability,” he said.

He blamed the media for creating the speculation.

“I volunteered to work so why would I suddenly resign? It’s illogical,” he said. “Moreover, I’ve never quarrelled with the prime minister [Prayut Chan-o-cha] because we have been working together. But the media likes to write their own reports.”

He said that the media had reported previously that he had fallen ill, although he said he has not been sick.

“If the premier thought I’m too old to work he would dismiss me,” the 72-year-old minister said.