The Role of Media in Flood Crises: News Coverage of Flood Events in Chiang Rai and Northern Thailand in 2024
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Abstract
This study examines the role of mass media during the flood crisis by analyzing news coverage of flooding in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, and other areas in northern Thailand in 2024. Content analysis was conducted on news reports from the first three days of two major events: widespread flooding (August 21–23, 2024, 621 news reports) and flash floods in Mae Sai (September 10–12, 2024, 1,225 news reports). The study focuses on agenda-setting, framing, and news quality in terms of credibility, value, and utility for the audience. The findings reveal that the media set the agenda by using government sources to report on water management and relief efforts while also reflecting social voices through disaster victims and citizen journalism. The framing predominantly highlighted the flood situation, immediate relief efforts, and the impacts on affected communities. The benefits of flood news reporting included providing information for decision-making, reducing public confusion, amplifying the voices of victims, and encouraging public assistance. This research proposes a “Crisis News Reporting Model” to balance immediate response with long-term perspectives, supporting structural problem-solving and future preparedness.
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