Govt notes citizens' good work, appeals for updates

Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the new government spokesman, said the military-led regime wanted to express its deepest admiration to the Thai people for extending a helping hand to one another in a time of crisis, whether to assist those attending the injured at the scene, providing free motorcycle-taxi rides in the area, or responding immediately to the Thai Red Cross’s urgent appeal for blood.
The government asked people to stay calm and not be alarmed by whatever information comes out. People were encouraged to pass any useful information to police via the 1599 hotline to help with the investigation.
The media were urged to cooperate on sharing of information and to use discretion on presenting negative aspects such as a possible decline in the economy and tourism, which could lead to uncertainty in the eyes of the international community.
“So please understand if any officers interrupt your reporting. We are managing things in a professional way,” Sansern told the press conference after the Cabinet meeting.
He pointed to the Chinese government as a good example of information management. It could control the spread of news within two days, with nothing harming the image of China.
The media should refrain from showing any inappropriate photos of blood and gore related to the incident, Sansern said. The government’s actions have been and will continue to be done in a professional manner to restore confidence in the country.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told every government office to hold firm to professionalism, information management and the smooth continuation of other missions, the spokesman claimed.
Although there is evidence indicating the possible perpetrators, the government now wishes to gather and analyse all information before making a final conclusion on their identities, he said.
“We take every possibility in our consideration and haven’t cut any single one out,” he said.