Disaster management in the digital age: a case study of the role and impact of Facebook during the 2011 Thailand floods

Abstract

The main purpose of this case study is to explore how social media were used as a form of disaster management communication to assist Thai citizens during the deadly 2011 Thailand flooding that occurred between July and early December 2011. Because communication is critical during a disaster, it is important to study how communication technology is used as part of an effective disaster management plan. This case study of the Thai floods of 2011 presents an opportunity to learn how social media were employed during that disaster. By doing this research, both citizens and government officials may be able to apply some of the social media communication strategies to other disaster zones, especially when traditional communication channels are not working or are insufficient.