Unruly reporters and crowds harassed Por's family and forgot the gravity of the somber occasion, sparking outrage
Bangkok- NBCT, the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand has issued an apology for the behavior of reporters who stormed and harassed family members of the late actor, “Tridsadee "Por" Sahawong.”
The media frenzy was marked by a stampede of cameramen, reporters and fans that attempted, despite the gravity of the event, to take “selfies” with Por’s body. Reporters as well as some in the unruly crowd attempted to snap photographs of the actor’s grieving widow, Ms. Vanda, and their two-year-old child.
Social media responded promptly, and denounced the actions of those who attended the funeral. “Show some respect,” has been the rallying cry for those who are against the manner in which the media and some fans conducted themselves.
Shortly after the media crush, a campaign on the website change.org was started to protest against the action of the media, recalling organizations to remember the ethics of their profession.
The integrity of journalism surely be recalled in the coming weeks. The petition campaign, which started on Tuesday has already garnered more than 24, 000 e-supporters as of Thursday. The goal of 25,000 supporters will spur action.
The temple hosting the funeral urged fans at the event to respect the grieving family and their privacy by refraining to take photos with Por’s body and his surviving relatives.
In an official apology after the public backlash, NBCT said, “"The professional media organization would like to say sorry and apologize to the Sahawongs, as well as their relatives, fans and the public who followed the event. The organization accepts all criticisms and suggestions from those who monitor the duty of the press. This will be a lesson on how to improve the standards of the profession in the future.”
The rites for Por will continue until Sunday, when the actor will be cremated.