The stories behind the photos, part 1

In this series which starts today, our Bangkok Post photographers describe the situations they faced while taking some of the most memorable news photos of the year.

Perhaps the most shocking images of the year were of protesters beating up a monk.

When stories break, news photographers need to respond quickly and jump into action and often throwing themselves into the middle of unpredictable dangerous situations.
 
In this series starting today, our Bangkok Post photographers describe the situations they faced while taking some of the most memorable news photos of the year.

Here is part 1

Monk attacked

Bangkok Post photographer Thiti Wannamontha describes the situation he faced when protesters suddenly and unexpectedly attacked a monk:

"I was sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) office in Nonthaburi amid reports of tense scenes. A group of red-shirt protesters had gathered outside the gates of the commission in the afternoon. Protesters were attacking a monk who called out and pleaded with them not to hurt a clergyman. The attack continued, with a woman urging fellow protesters to disrobe the monk. Everything happened very fast and it was difficult to take the photo with so many people surrounding the poor monk."

Divers remove the dismembered body of Japanese teacher Yoshinori Shimato from the canal where it had been thrown.

Divers

Bangkok Post photographer Somchai Poomlard explains how he got photos of divers who were far away in the water:

"On Oct 22, I was sent to cover the murder of the Japanese teacher Yoshinori Shimato. I made my way to Khlong Nang Tim in Bang Bo district of Samut Prakan, where divers were bringing the dismembered body of the man from the canal. I stood between the pillars of a bridge and changed cameras from a wide-angle lens to a telescopic lens with a better light adjustment mode."

A brief glimpse of high-ranking police officer Pongpat Chayapan as he is loaded into a van to travel from jail to court for a hearing.

Long wait, quick action

Bangkok Post photographer Pattanapong Hirunard explains the great patience news photographers must have when waiting for an important photograph:

"We waited from dawn till dusk for former Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) chief Pongpat Chayapan, who was due to be taken to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road. I learned he would be quietly taken to the court for a quick appearance, and then whisked away for further detention. As Pol Lt Gen Pongpat (white shirt) emerged from the building looking exhausted, I pressed the shutter frantically."

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