No need for PM to worry about use of words in headlines: experts

Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd has said there have been concerns that words like fung (boast), wo (brag) and heum (roar) can give the government a bad image and cause misunderstandings.
But Sukhum Nuansakul, a political analyst and former rector of Ramkhamhaeng University, who has an extensive media background, said yesterday that those words were simply part of media’s marketing strategies.
“The purpose of using heated words in headlines is to catch people’s attention and make them buy newspapers. Officials should not worry about this,” he said.
That kind of language would not be able to warp the truth of news, he said.
“People understand that media want to grab attention. They do not think the situation is as serious as those deprecatory-sounding words.”
Mana Treelayapewat, vice dean of communication arts at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said it was the style of Thai media to use provocative headlines to pique readers’ interest.
But while there was no need to oppress the media, they should report news without any hidden agenda, he said.
Prayut reportedly had issues with some choice of content in headlines.
“Do you like it when someone uses such words about you?” the general said.
Jumpol Rodkhamdee, a member of the National Reform Council and a media expert, said the media should be more careful because some words might cause readers to become biased.
“Exercise caution to ensure that information is given that is not going to cause problems or confusion,” he said.
The media should understand that while enjoying press freedom, they must also act responsibly and accountably, he said.
Prayut’s latest worry was not unusual, he added.
“When the country is not in a normal situation, it’s quite common that the government will issue warnings against anything that is threatening its stability or against news reports that are not accurate,” Jumpol said.
When the government has concerns about what appears in the papers, it should consult self-regulatory media bodies, he said. “There’s no need to go public.”