GAME ON FOR FLOOD PREPAREDNESS: INTRODUCING FRAG, THE FLOOD RISK AWARENESS GAME

Abstract

Severe flood incidents have emerged as major disasters in recent years, causing extensive damage to ecosystems, infrastructure, and human well-being. The devastating flood events in Thailand in 2011 affected millions of people and highlighted the need for improved flood preparedness. While various efforts have been made to enhance disaster awareness and preparedness, the effectiveness of these methods remains uncertain. In this context, scholars have explored alternative approaches to increase individuals' knowledge and preparedness, leading to the consideration of board games as effective tools for promoting understanding of floods. Board games have been successfully utilized to foster disaster awareness in the past, but there is a lack of games specifically focused on flood preparedness. This study aims to address this gap by designing and developing a flood risk awareness board game for Thai citizens.

The research examines the factors that contributed to the extensive damage caused by the 2011 flood events in Thailand, such as government mismanagement, urbanization, and the negative impacts of climate variability. It emphasizes the role of the residents' limited knowledge and awareness of flood preparedness as a key factor in the disaster. Drawing on the effectiveness of board games as educational tools, this study proposes the development of a game that not only entertains but also enhances players' understanding and knowledge of floods.

Previous board games designed for disaster awareness are reviewed, including "Disaster Master," "The Disaster Awareness Game (DAG)," and "Hazagora." However, there is a need for a board game specifically tailored to flood preparedness. Therefore, the present study aims to fill this gap by designing and developing a flood risk awareness board game suitable for Thai citizens.