Twitter supports disaster preparedness in Thailand with launch of dedicated search prompt

People come to Twitter to learn about news and events unfolding in real time. Whether it’s breaking news, a traffic tailback in the city, or the latest score in a football match, Twitter is the go-to place to find out #WhatsHappening real time. In support of this mission to provide real-time information, Twitter today launches a dedicated search prompt to help people stay updated with the latest information from authoritative sources around disaster relief and preparedness efforts in Thailand.

For a country subject to the annual and seasonal influences of monsoons and tropical hurricanes, natural disasters such as floods, landslides, droughts, wildfires and more, are highly prevalent in Thailand. In an expansion of Twitter’s Search Prompt; which was specifically put in place for the public to find clear, credible information focusing on disaster preparedness and emergencies; Twitter has partnered with Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (@DDPMNews), the Thai Red Cross (@ThaiRedCross), as well as other government agencies, NGOs and media to expand efforts towards handling disaster situations.

The search prompt aims to help amplify critical information and promote relief efforts, during or after disasters and emergencies; as well as to refer people on Twitter to credible and reputable government agencies, NGOs and media that provide updated information about crisis response and disaster emergency. The search prompt is available in Thai language on iOS, Android, and on mobile.twitter.com.

As Thailand’s lead government agency handling disaster management responsibilities, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (@DDPMNews) provides essential information on disaster prevention and mitigation to the public. Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Chayabol Thitisak, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said “In our role to prepare for and prevent natural disasters in Thailand, we are always looking for new ways to reach out and inform people before, during and after incidents. In support of these efforts, we are pleased to partner with Twitter to launch a country-first search prompt that will provide real time updates from credible sources on natural disasters anywhere in Thailand. Leveraging technology in this way will also help us to connect with people and organizations on the ground in real time, and identify the best way to handle situations while also providing support for those affected and in need of relief.”

Every time someone searches for certain keywords associated with disaster relief, a prompt will direct them to the relevant information and sources of help available on Twitter. The feature will be reviewed at regular intervals by the Twitter team to ensure that all related keywords generate the proactive search prompt. Some of the search keyword examples are ภัยพิบัติ, น้ำท่วม, แผ่นดินไหว.

The search prompt will also point to a Twitter List of government agencies, NGOs, and media working towards disaster response and relief in Thailand, as well as media sources reporting the latest news on natural crises in Thailand. People looking for support can Follow the List and easily identify and establish contact with credible authorities.

Sharing her thoughts on this initiative, Monrawee Ampolpittayanant, Head of Public Policy and Philanthropy, Thailand and the Philippines, Twitter said, “At its core, Twitter is a real-time and modern version of a town square. These characteristics make Twitter a uniquely useful place for timely communication, and more so when a disaster strikes. Relief teams have time and again turned to Twitter to connect with people on-the-ground, to share real-time information on the provision of aid, rescue operations and emergency resources. With the launch of this initiative, we are furthering our commitment to partner with citizens, civil society as well the governments responsible for providing emergency support. The dedicated search prompt will ensure there is uninterrupted access to relevant and authoritative information, such as important updates on critical transit and utility outages, and establish direct access between the affected areas and rescue teams.”

During times of crisis and emergencies, Twitter’s live, open and public nature continue to be leveraged by NGOs, citizens, government agencies and the media to share and exchange information.