Reader Talkback: Should charity events/food give-aways/the homeless situation in Pattaya be covered in the news, social media, Youtube, etc?

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The following is our weekly feature in which we ask our readers a news topical question and get their insight and opinions. We then share their feedback a week later and pick a variety of diverse and interesting responses.

This week, a hot topic we have seen on many forums and social media groups is about charity events and the rising numbers of people, into the thousands at least at Bali Hai, gathering for food and supplies in Pattaya.

Our question is simple: Should, and to what level, charity events/food give-aways be covered in the news, social media, Youtube, etc?

We here at TPN media have long covered such events although are also well aware that it is a sensitive topic with many people. We also do our best to respect those who need assistance not overly focusing on individual faces and focusing on the desperation and difficulty the current situation has caused so many people in Pattaya (and Thailand) and not to make light of their personal plights. We also usually only cover events we are invited to and respect that many people holding charity events or assisting the needy don’t want press coverage or don’t want their names, companies, etc. mentioned.

However, many do. We get many requests from different organizations, companies, individuals, etc. to specifically cover their events and do so. This also causes controversy with some readers believing charity should not be seen or advertised. Others, however, disagree and feel that without showing the true reality on the ground people would not know what is happening or that regardless if an organization or individuals are trying to show they are helping, at least they are helping. Also, some readers have stated they like to see what businesses are helping so they can reward them with future business.

This is especially true with the government, in which their own events (and they have held many, contrary to belief, at least at a local level) are often seen as “Photo opportunities” by some readers. However, on the opposite side of the coin, if the charity event is NOT photoed or video, people often believe the government is not doing anything at all and ignoring the situation which is also not true. (At least at a local level.)

We want to hear what you think. Should the situation around the homeless, growing charity lines, food give-aways be covered? Should faces be blurred or obscured? (Since they are mostly wearing masks currently, this certainly helps.) Should organizations and people helping be named or identified? Should coverage show those being helped without blurring their faces/wearing masks? We want your say.

We want to hear what YOU have to say. Tell us on our social media channels, in the comments below, or if you prefer your comment to be private mail us at Pattayanewseditor@gmail.com. We will publish the results and select a variety of diverse responses early next week!