Facing trial for contempt of court, Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap says he'll issue only written statements.

"I won't give one-on-one interviews to reporters anymore," Chaiya says.

He was speaking yesterday after appearing at the Central Administrative Court for more than an hour and a half to explain his comments on a recent court injunction.

Last week, the Administrative Court issued an injunction against his orders to remove Dr Wichai Chokewiwat and seven others from the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation. Chaiya vowed to appeal and criticised the court. After his comments were published, the Central Administrative Court issued a summons for him.

Editors from three newspapers were also required to attend the court yesterday. The court ordered Manager Daily to name its reporter who interviewed Chaiya.