Government Urges Public to Stop Sharing Images of Victims from Train-Bus Collision at Makkasan Junction
A train-bus collision at Bangkok's Makkasan Junction killed and injured multiple people on May 17; the government is urging the public to stop sharing graphic images of victims on social media to protect their privacy and mental health.
On May 17, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister's Spokesperson Ploy Thalay Laksameesangchan announced that the government expresses its condolences to families of victims and those injured in the collision between a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority bus and a train at Makkasan Junction. All relevant agencies have been directed to urgently provide assistance to affected families and care for the injured.
The government has appealed to the public to refrain from sharing or forwarding images of injured or deceased victims and graphic images of the incident on social media. While such sharing may be well-intentioned as a way to report news or warn others, it can severely impact the mental health of victims' families and those involved in the incident.
During this period of shock and grief, graphic images can cause psychological trauma or trigger anxiety, sadness, fear, and distress among direct victims, their relatives, children, youth, and the general public viewing the content online. Additionally, publishing images showing victims' faces, bodies, or identifying information violates their privacy and human dignity.
The spokesperson urged the public to use judgment before posting or sharing information. When news coverage is necessary, appropriate images should be selected, such as wide-angle shots or atmospheric images with faces and personal information blurred, while avoiding unnecessary disturbing details.
Instead, the public should share information beneficial to society, such as emergency hotlines, victim assistance programs, blood donation information, and accurate safety information.
Those affected by the incident or distressed by news coverage can contact the mental health hotline 1323 for free consultation available 24 hours a day.
