What is it about?

This study explores the relationship between the Thai government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the public's trust in official communication about the virus. By analyzing social media discourse, the research examines how the public's trust in the government's messaging evolved during the four waves of the pandemic in Thailand.

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Why is it important?

Understanding the dynamics of public trust in official communication during a health crisis is crucial for effective public health management. The study highlights that the Thai public's trust in the government's messaging was directly related to the perceived success of the government's handling of the pandemic. This relationship has significant implications for health communication strategies during a crisis, as well as for public health outcomes.

Perspectives

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the role of public trust in official communication during a health crisis. It shows that the success of government measures and the public's perception of those measures have a direct impact on the credibility of official messages. As a result, it is vital for governments to maintain transparency, accuracy, and effectiveness in their actions and communication during a crisis. This study serves as a reminder that public trust is essential for managing health emergencies, and understanding the factors that influence that trust can help governments develop more effective strategies for managing future crises.

Dr. Smith Boonchutima
Chulalongkorn University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Credibility of the Official COVID Communication in Thailand: When People Stop Believing the Government, American Behavioral Scientist, August 2022, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/00027642221118297.
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