Prof Jaroon Yoothong, a specialist in southern poem-writing and performances, said Phaitoon had merely wished to invite people to delve further into what had happened; that is, the ex-PM’s flight as well as the issue of corruption, which are seen as undermining politics.

The writer, he added, had every right like anyone else to express his political views, and it is actually the duty of an artist to work to invite people to delve more into issues of importance.

Phaitoon is good at playing with words, especially in southern poetic expression, and that is why his poem appeared in the way it did, Jaroon stressed.

Yingluck on Friday failed to show up at the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, which was due to hand down its ruling in the case against her for alleged negligence in regard to the management of her government’s rice-pledging scheme.

Her lawyer cited at the time that her absence was down to her being stricken with Meniere’s disease.

Phaitoon posted a poem on his Facebook page afterwards, in which he referred to the ear disease, which when using a play on words in Thai, can have a sleazy connotation, alluding to a sexual organ.

The end of the poem read: her “ears” (which helped her escape from the scene) were formidable.

The poem has drawn heavy criticism of him on social media. Some people slammed the writer for gender discrimination, while others kick-started an online campaign against him on Change.org.

Phaitoon, meanwhile, remains silent after having removed the post.