Ethics Policy

The Pattaya News Company Limited (Parent company of The Phuket Express) ethical code is based on our willingness to be accurate, honest and complete.

  • Truth and Accuracy
    We strive to be as accurate as possible. Getting facts from verifiable sources is the major principle of journalism. The Pattaya News always strives for accuracy, provides all the relevant facts available, and ensures that they have been verified. The Pattaya News makes it clear when it cannot corroborate certain information.
  • Fairness and Impartiality
    Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in every piece, stories are balanced and add context. Impartial and unbiased reporting builds trust and confidence.
  • Violence, Sexual Content, and Caring/Compassionate Reporting                             We at The Pattaya News always remember that at the core of all of our stories are people. We strive to remember that, especially in terms of crime related stories and always want to show respect and integrity to the victims and family. We strive to ensure our photos and reporting is done tactfully and respectfully and do not glorify sexual content or violence. We understand different cultures, especially here in Thailand, hold different values and have different levels of tolerance for visual depictions of violence, etc. However, our guiding principle is to always report with a humane side and understand that the topic of our articles are real people with real families and real friends.
  • Accountability
    A sure sign of professionalism and responsible journalism is the ability to hold oneself accountable. Corrections are published when errors are discovered.

The Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics offers the following advice which we have quoted directly and agree with:

  • Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
  • Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
  • Recognise that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
  • Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence, or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.
  • Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
  • Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
  • Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
  • Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.