BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has requested the public to refrain from sharing graphic images of victims and injured individuals from the recent train-bus collision near Makkasan, warning that such content may intensify the emotional trauma of grieving families and survivors.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan expressed condolences to the families affected by the fatal train and BMTA public bus collision at the Makkasan intersection in Bangkok. She stated that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has directed all relevant agencies to fully support victims’ families and ensure appropriate care for the injured.
The spokesperson added that the government requests public cooperation in not posting or forwarding graphic images of accident victims, fatalities, or other distressing scenes on social media. She acknowledged that some may share such content to report news or raise awareness, but emphasized that these images can seriously impact the mental health of victims’ relatives, witnesses, and the broader public, especially while many are still in shock and mourning.
She warned that violent imagery can retraumatize survivors and trigger stress, fear, sadness, and emotional distress, particularly among children, youth, and family members exposed to such content online. The government further emphasized that publishing identifiable images of injured or deceased individuals may violate privacy and human dignity.
Authorities encouraged the public to exercise discretion before sharing information online. If news coverage is necessary, officials recommend using wide-angle or non-graphic images or photos with faces and personal details blurred. Instead of graphic content, the government encourages sharing useful public information, such as emergency contacts, assistance channels, blood donation details, and verified safety updates. Officials also advised anyone experiencing emotional distress related to the incident to contact Thailand’s Mental Health Hotline 1323, available 24 hours a day. (NNT)
