A survey on the possibility of SMS introduction into disaster information dissemination systems in rural mountainous areas in the northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Sufficient supports and countermeasures from central and local governments in rural mountainous areas cannot be expected although a vulnerability to disasters at such areas has been increasing especially in developing countries including Thailand. On the other hand, the use of mobile phone has been growing more popular in such areas. This research conducted two surveys in remote mountainous areas to examine the possibility of introduction of Short Message Service (SMS) of mobile phone as a disaster information dissemination mean using Loei Province, northeastern Thailand, as a study area. Trough the surveys, recommended way of its introduction was found for improving present dissemination systems.