They say picture can tell a thousand words. A press photo exhibition currently on display in Bangkok is seeking to prove just that. We have more details in this report from Thai News Agency.

Every picture has a story to tell and the ‘Press Photo in Focus’ exhibition is showcasing these so-called ‘Moments of truth’ to the Thai public. It’s actually bringing together two prominent press photo exhibitions in one place: World Press Photo and Thai Press Photo.

The World Press Photo collection showcases prize-winning press photographs selected in 2007 from more than 5,000 contestants in 125 countries.

By showing shocking, beautiful, controversial and touching pictures, viewers are given the opportunity to see what has happened in other parts of the world and hopefully make them better understand each other.

At the same time, the exhibition shares democratic values through the freedom of expression of the press and gives courage to photographers who sometimes work in dangerous environments.

Micha Bruinvels of World Press Photo said “We want to pay tribute to the great work that press photographers have. These people, they show you what you need to see.”

Some of the pictures portray the ‘truth in wars’ caused by humans. The World Press Photo of the Year 2007 on display is the picture of an American soldier sinking onto an embankment in the deadliest combat scene in Afghanistan, taken by Tim Hetherington.

Another winning photo was taken in Congo where rangers evacuated the bodies of four mountain gorillas shot dead, as they lived in an area beset with conflict.

For the Thai Press Photo, the works of Thai journalists who won the Isra Amantakul Awards portray many important historical moments in the country. Viewers will experience a range of feelings from the delightful moments of the 60th anniversary celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol’s Accession to the Throne to the tearful and terrifying scenes in the country’s three restive southernmost provinces.

Some nice shots also underline the bravery of Thai photographers. Jaroon Thongnual, who risked his life to capture a picture of soldiers besieging villagers in Yala province, is one of them.

Jaroon said “I’m so scared. But I want to get picture which tell stories. Working in the three restive south provinces is dangerous. You need concentration, otherwise your life will be endangered.”

Those in search of ‘Moments of truth’ from around the world are welcome to the ‘Press Photo in Focus’ event at Bangkok’s ZEN Event Gallery until July 6. Entrance is for free of charge.

> Source: http://enews.mcot.net