Bangkok: The government is urging the public to refrain from sharing images of dead bodies and injured individuals following a train-bus collision at Makkasan Intersection, expressing concern that such actions could further distress the bereaved families.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, conveyed the government's condolences to the families affected by the tragic incident. She emphasized the government's commitment to expediting assistance to the families of the deceased and ensuring comprehensive care for the injured. The government has made a formal request for public cooperation in not sharing or forwarding distressing images on social media. It stresses that even well-intentioned sharing of such images can significantly impact the mental health of the bereaved families and individuals involved, particularly during this period of shock and grief.
The government highlights that violent images can lead to 're-injury' or trigger emotional distress such as stress, sadness, and fear among those directly affected, their relatives, and the general public. Moreover, sharing images that reveal the faces, bodies, or identifying information of the deceased or injured violates personal rights and human dignity.
The government advises exercising discretion before sharing information online. If news needs to be presented, it recommends using appropriate images that do not disclose personal details, such as wide-angle shots or blurred images. The focus should be on sharing beneficial information like emergency contacts, assistance details, or safety tips.
For those experiencing psychological distress due to the incident, the government has made resources available, including a mental health hotline at 1323, which offers 24-hour support.