The impact of income disparity on vulnerability and information collection: an analysis of the 2011 Thai Flood

The impact of income disparity on vulnerability and information collection during the 2011 Thai Flood was examined through a survey investigation. Lower-income respondents were found to have been more likely to be inundated by the flood than higher-income respondents because of the location of their residences, and lower-income respondents whose residences flooded were also less likely to have evacuated. Television was widely used, regardless of income level, but lower-income respondents tended to also utilise lower-technology modes, such as radios and loudspeakers, in contrast to the Internet-based modes used by higher-income respondents. Lower-income respondents also tended to be less aware of the government hotline; however, those that were aware of it were more likely to find it useful. Overall, while income was a good predictor of people's flood vulnerability, it was not the best predictor for media usage; other demographic characteristics, such as education level and age, should also be considered.