A study on the possibility of mobile phone use as a disaster information dissemination mean for rural mountainous areas in Thailand

Abstract

Disaster information dissemination utilizing a mobile phone is highly efficient with its higher penetration rate at rural mountainous areas in Thailand where instantaneous information is required against sudden disaster such as flash flood and landslide. However, the disaster prevention framework of Thai government has been concerned for lag of information dissemination. Furthermore, many of residents in the areas cannot receive mobile phone signal properly. Through a literature research and interviews with relevant authorities and leading mobile phone operators, we were able to clarify the current situation of the Thai government's framework development and the possibility of future introduction of mobile phone as a disaster information dissemination mean for rural mountainous areas in Thailand.