Examining the Factors Influencing Tsunami Evacuation Action Selection in Thailand: A Comprehensive Study Involving Local Residents, Non-Local Workers, and Travelers

Naphat Mahittikul, Nawat Wancham, Wanit Treeranurat, Kumpol Saengtabtim, Ampan Laosunthara, Jing Tang and Natt Leelawat ()
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Naphat Mahittikul: Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Nawat Wancham: Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Wanit Treeranurat: Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Kumpol Saengtabtim: Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Ampan Laosunthara: School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
Jing Tang: Disaster and Risk Management Information Systems Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Natt Leelawat: Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: Tsunamis are a substantial natural threat in Thailand, as evidenced by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Effective evacuation is vital to reduce casualties and property damage. However, despite improved warning systems, high death tolls still occur, indicating complex evacuation behavior influenced by various factors. This study examines these factors among diverse groups in Phuket and Phang Nga, Thailand. A survey of 1000 locals, non-local workers, and travelers assesses threat and coping appraisals, past tsunami experiences, gender, age, and tsunami evacuation intention and action selection. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data based on the hypotheses related to the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). The results of the analyses show that threat and coping appraisals significantly predict tsunami evacuation intention, and gender influences threat perception related to evacuation. Variations among respondent types emphasize the need for tailored disaster preparedness and response strategies. This study offers crucial insights for policymakers, emergency responders, and disaster management stakeholders, underlining the significance of further research into the intricate interplay of individual and contextual factors shaping tsunami evacuation behavior.

Keywords: disaster preparedness; protection motivation theory (PMT); residents and travelers; Thailand; tsunami evacuation behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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