Government needs to build public confidence on disaster alerts

Almost half of people have shown no trust in the disaster warning system in a KPI Poll, which reflected more attempts were needed to boost their confidence.

The survey released on Friday showed that people with little or no confidence in the state’s warning system accounted for 47% of respondents, while half of those surveyed remained confident in the system.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Line and the Thai Disaster Alert application were their favourite choices to receive warning messages, with 26% of the vote, followed closely by the cell broadcast system at 22% and community broadcasting towers at 16%.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department is responsible for sending out alerts to people on mobile phones. The office was criticised for failing to promptly warn people about severe flooding in the northern province of Nan last month and in other previous incidents.

"Building confidence on the disaster warning system is a key issue that still needs improvement," the poll said.

"Although digital platforms are the quickest communication channel, the broadcasting tower and community leaders are still important," it added.

Pollsters of King Prajadhipok's Institute asked 2,000 people in all regions from Sept 4 to Monday about their disaster perceptions.

Earthquakes, sinkholes and building collapses were the top concern for people living in Bangkok, while their southern peers were worried most about floods and landslides.

Residents in the northern and northeastern regions also showed the same worry about flooding, flash floods and landslides. People in the North also fretted about forest fires and smog levels.