The following is our exclusive weekly feature in which we ask our readers a news topical question and then give you a week to answer it on our various channels, compiling a diverse range of answers and opinions to present to you, our valued readers. Here are the results from our last question…
Last week, we asked you the following:
Reader Talkback: Should charity events/food give-aways/the homeless situation in Pattaya be covered in the news, social media, Youtube, etc?
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?
Here is what you, our readers, had to say as our editors selected some of the most diverse responses to highlight different points of view. It is worth noting that overall the vast majority said it SHOULD be covered, although there were some disagreements about how and to what level.
Do you still want to chime in? Here is how:
Let us know in the comments below (scroll down), on our social media, or mail us at Pattayanewseditor@gmail.com. Please keep in mind all comments below are those of the reader, and may not reflect those of The Pattaya News Company Limited.
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Sunil G-I don’t think there’s anything wrong with publishing the news. As people wear masks, it conceals their identity (at least partly) and in case of their faces are exposed, then blurring them might be a better option. Also, if an organization is funding for charity, then it may motivate their counterparts also to take up such activities, which ultimately is benefited by the NOW underprivileged people due to the pandemic.
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Keith E-If it’s news cover it, that is what you are supposed to do. Cover the event state the FACTS and all’s well. You should cover the vaccination program or LACK of it outside Bangkok and Chonburi. also, we in Nakhon Ratchasima have been ” hung out to dry ”
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Theo B-Yes! It all should be covered by news media, social media, etc. to show how dramatic the situation is. Not to criticize the government, but to stimulate other people to help, to donate, to support those who are most in need! Its no need to blur the faces, because they all wear masks, and the poor Thai people will be happy that there is a focus on this immense extreme situation, and hopefully other people, especially foreigners to help and support
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Myer R-No. Don’t cover it. In fact, I think most of the homeless and those with no money deserve it. Years of ripping off foreigners and their money in Pattaya it’s well-deserved karma for them now to be sitting in the sun begging for meals. If they had saved some of the money made from scam after scam maybe they wouldn’t be in the situation they were now. Hope it clears out more scammers and con artists. Half of those begging for food are likely too lazy to work a job that isn’t easy money like lying on your back or sleeping at a guard booth anyways so shouldn’t deserve any charity. They can all **** off in my opinion. Oh, and I’m aware my opinion won’t be popular but anyone who doesn’t like it can go &&^& off also.
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Dirk B-
Yes, cover it. I applaud all the anonymous people helping and showing this hopefully forces government to take action.
But like mentioned here, lots of charity might be to promote yourself. Still better than no or less charity.
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Anu L-Yes needs coverage. But don’t show people’s faces in pics. They really don’t need that.
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Xonora L-
Yes. It needs coverage. The lockdowns are a mere inconvenience to those of us who are more economically privileged, but they have wreaked havoc on the lives of people working in entertainment, hospitality, f&b, and other industries. These charities are the only ones trying to help them….where is meaningful financial relief from the authorities to ensure these folks can have a clean and safe roof over their heads and not be driven more and more into crippling debt?
I’m not anti-lockdown, but there needs to be adequate compensation paid out to the people who have lost almost everything from this.
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Brian B-It can help those in need, locate places that can help. It can also boost charitable fundraising to those donor locations. Maybe even ask the locations of their IG, Twitter, FB pages for more info on ways people can donate to the cause, so they can continue helping the population that the govt has financially abandoned.
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Simon M-Of course it needs coverage .. these are forgotten people mostly .. its disgraceful to see a wealthy country like Thailand, force its people to sit in line for a free handout of food or essential items … You should also publish those wonderful expats of all nationalities who are digging into their own financial reserves to help those in need .. They are very much the unsung heroes in this whole sorry saga .
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Rick P-Yes but don’t need close-ups of the crowds as its humility for these poor people enough to have to be there as no one chooses to be in a food line unless desperate.. wide-angle shots get the same message across
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Hassan R-
If distributing food for the homeless or whoever needs assistance must be in private without any social media because this help making balance for the community no need to show up in video or photos
No need to use them as the way of having advertising for (company or factories )
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Jimmy G-It should be covered but whoever is doing the giveaway or donating should be kept anonymous, this way you can see if they are genuine with their actions, or simply getting cheap publicity.
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Markus Z-Yes! The public, also outside the country, should see that! Everybody should see what the government of Thailand fails to do and what the cruel measures are doing to the people (while the numbers of infected people are not changing). But you should refrain from any advertising. Signs, on which the names of companies that sponsor such activities, are only there to draw attention to what they are doing so well. To advertise with the suffering of others is cheap!
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Terry R-Absolutely, YES. Can’t be sweeping bad news under the carpet, News is news
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David D-Of course it should be! The country and The World need to see this national disgrace to understand the inept way this whole thing has been handled and continues to be handled by the Junta Government.
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Pete W-The homeless situation yes. Charity events on a news media page is just free advertising or certain people (or groups of people) blowing their own trumpet
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With one or two exceptions, this was one of the largest agreements we have had on a talkback, although as stated some differences in what one feels the level of coverage should be (blurring faces, mentioning company names, etc.) Thank you for your feedback!
Our next talkback topic will be early this week! Stay tuned and thank you for your support!
