Over the last 25 months I have a bit of experienced on what to expect in
Thailand when covering events such as the bombing incident yesterday.
The
first thing I noticed is that the Thais are efficient in disseminating
information and are very cooperative and helpful. You can get all the
information required by contacting the officials. The field people also willing
to give cooperation.
So information gathering also easy. The government, the police and military have designated officers as spokesperson and deputy spokepersons.
So information gathering also easy. The government, the police and military have designated officers as spokesperson and deputy spokepersons.
Many
government ministries, police headquarters and so on have allocated a place for
the media to work.
There
are multiple sources of information.. the police the hospital, the Erawan
Emergency Services, the Line chat groups (in Malaysia it is Whatsapp that is
popular), and many more ..
But
multiple sources mean multiple figures, not because many of them incorrect but
because they are giving figures at different time.
The
main language is obviously Thai. But there are people who can speak English. In
Press Conference, unless it is international or involving foreigners, it will
be in Thais. If there are foreigners, there may be translators. But not all
translators will translate everything verbatim, some and there are many, will
rephrase or just translate whatever they want.
So
if you are foreigners and want information better talk to the people after the
press conference.
Next
issue is about romanised spelling. The Thais writing are almost similar to the
Indian. But there are romanised spelling for many things. However, the
spellings will be different.. for example .. Chidlom, or Chitlom? they are the
same Sakeaw or Sakeo they are referring to same place.. so be correct, hear how
it is pronounced. Thus, during the recent bombing, you can expect several
versions of spelling for the name of the victims. that is sometime a dilema,
guessing which one to use.. that is for now.
MINGGU SIMON