Transistor radios are great in a crisis - cheap devices on comeback trail after PM's comments

[webfact]

Daily News Thai Caption: The elderly like the idea

 

The term "dinosaur" is often leveled at Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and his political associates.

 

But comments made about the effectiveness of transistor radios as a communication tool when all else fails have drawn praise.

 

Prauyth feels that radios can get the message across in the event of natural disasters that may leave other means of communication useless or lacking.

 

Daily News reporters went to a shop in the Buriram market where Wasan Roothamsuktrhaworn, the owner, had sold two transistors for 450 baht each yesterday.

 

Picture: Daily News

 

He praised the newly reinstalled PM for promoting radios especially for the elderly.

 

For just a few hundred baht they make great presents so that the aged can listen to music and the lottery while in the firelds as well as get important emergency information if necessary.

 

Radios used in this way may be the technology of yesteryear but they are very effective and reliable when all else is down. 

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2022-10-05

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

 

Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

[ezzra]

What? the man went to sleep and woke up in the 50'? next he'll recommend using the hand cranked gramophone for fun and workout.. 

[Robin]

" they are very effective and reliable when all else is down."

 

Including power to the transmitter?  And the local shop has run out of batteries?

[tomazbodner]

14 minutes ago, Robin said:

" they are very effective and reliable when all else is down."

 

Including power to the transmitter?  And the local shop has run out of batteries?

Never seen any with solar panels on them?

 

I think if the Sun goes out, you won't need a radio anymore.

[Chris.B]

26 minutes ago, Robin said:

" they are very effective and reliable when all else is down."

 

Including power to the transmitter?  And the local shop has run out of batteries?

The shop is closed due to the flood! Duh!

 

[Rhys]

Flight of the old dog...

 

[Iamfalang]

99.9999% of households have a smart phone.   

 

Put it on "super saver" mode (battery use very little) and sparingly run a radio app.  Check it every few hours...as well as messages..... should last DAYS.

 

Of course, most households also have a power bank, so can use the phone more.

 

Nobody needs this radio...

[KhunBENQ]

7 minutes ago, Iamfalang said:

Nobody needs this radio...

Wrong from start to end.

You want to rely on mobile gadgets and internet?

Maybe you should check with your home country disaster plans/offices?

Batteries and radio on every list.

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

1 hour ago, Robin said:

Including power to the transmitter?  And the local shop has run out of batteries?

That's what such appeals are for:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1273762-commerce-ministry-urges-stores-and-wholesalers-to-keep-adequate-stock-of-items-amid-floods/

 

[Iamfalang]

7 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Wrong from start to end.

You want to rely on mobile gadgets and internet?

Maybe you should check with your home country disaster plans/offices?

Batteries and radio on every list.

 

 

you are wrong from end to start and from start to end and from middle to start.

 

I got satellite emergency signals regardless if my phone gets a signal.

 

u gotta get with the 19th century, bro.   batteries are so 1000 BC

 

transistor radios have tik tok?  no!!!

 

smartphones are the future......   even my iphone watch will work!!!!    will call 911, do everything....   radios and batteries???? hahahahhahahahahhahahahahaha

[KhunBENQ]

4 minutes ago, Iamfalang said:

transistor radios have tik tok?  no!!!

You are making a fool of yourself.

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

effectiveness of transistor radios as a communication tool

I can't see what all the negativity is about. 

 

It is a good communication tool, broadcasting to the public. 

 

Simple device, not expensive. 

[Yorkshire Tea]

Who needs batteries?

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/oria-portable-hand-crank-radio-solar-emergency-weather-radio-amfmwb-with-led-flashlight-sos-alarm-i1558598169-s4181958891.html?exlaz=d_1:mm_150050845_51350205_2010350205::12:17924046440!!!!!c!!4181958891!136957971&gclid=CjwKCAjws--ZBhAXEiwAv-RNLyKd0a9AGDa1UsW0XMHVYy6Suos59-IwZSkf7DEIm3b90M48bUGQORoCw7EQAvD_BwE

[herfiehandbag]

They are quite excellent - a one way communication channel, perfect for barking orders, sending messages to your various militia gangs ( remember the "Village Scouts" and the events of 1976 leading to the Thammasat University massacre) - I understand that transistor radios played quite a part in mobilising and directing the various lynching gangs that were operating then! 

 

And of course, unlike the pesky social media the great unwashed cannot reply or use them to talk to each other. 

 

Maybe the way forward? Every household has a tranny and some batteries - then close down social media, dinosaur heaven!

[Yorkshire Tea]

3 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

Maybe the way forward? Every household has a tranny and some batteries - then close down social media, dinosaur heaven!

They have the village PA system for that, & to make sure everyone is awake by 06.00

[SAFETY FIRST]

Just now, Yorkshire Tea said:

They have the village PA system for that, & to make sure everyone is awake by 06.00

Try living somewhere else. 

 

I live in a gated housing estate, nice and quiet. 

 

[KhunBENQ]

2 minutes ago, Yorkshire Tea said:

They have the village PA system for that, & to make sure everyone is awake by 06.00

And a power generator?

[Yorkshire Tea]

1 minute ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Try living somewhere else. 

 

I live in a gated housing estate, nice and quiet. 

 

Where did I say I lived in a village?

 

[Yorkshire Tea]

Just now, KhunBENQ said:

And a power generator?

The PA system is for everday life, not just during emergencies.

[SAFETY FIRST]

53 minutes ago, Yorkshire Tea said:

55 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Try living somewhere else. 

 

I live in a gated housing estate, nice and quiet. 

 

Expand  

Where did I say I lived in a village?

Where did I say you lived in a village? ????

 

You seem confused. 

 

[Photoguy21]

3 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

Never seen any with solar panels on them?

 

I think if the Sun goes out, you won't need a radio anymore.

Wouldnt matter if you had if the transmitter is down you wont get anything.

[BonMot]

Lol

 

Sounds like Prayut in on the Great Reset....you'll have less - and like it.

 

 

 

Besides, Thais are absolutely addicted to video. 

 

Ridiculous

[BonMot]

2 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Wrong from start to end.

You want to rely on mobile gadgets and internet?

Maybe you should check with your home country disaster plans/offices?

Batteries and radio on every list.

 

 

Your not incorrect.

 

In a disaster which you are directly involved.

 

Im 60. Below are # of life threatening disasters I've been directly involved with:

 

2

 

 

[d2b2]

I wanted to send the PM my thoughts on the matter, but my FAX machine seems to have stopped working.

[wombat]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

so that the aged can listen to music and the lottery while in the firelds

thats old age taken care of

[alekth85]

Radios (including CB) are used in cases of disasters all  over the world. I know people can't resist an opportunity to bash Prayut, and he deserves it more often than not, but using radios in case of "emergencies" is the way to go.

 

It's been used regularly in hurricane affected areas when the electricity / internet are down.

 

 

[sambum]

And no doubt his next brainwave will be pigeon farms:- 

However , joking apart, "trannies" are a pretty good idea as long as the Gov't/Opposition don't use them as a political tool!

[Catoni]

  I’ve always had a few a.m./f.m./s.w. transistor radios around.  Using Eveready Lithium AA batteries.   And I have always kept several sets of extra batteries.  My radios can run for months on and off, on a set of batteries.  
   Also receiving shortwave..they can pick up signals around the world. Especially if you connect an extra 20 or 30 feet of wire to the antenna, or plug an extension antenna in. 
    Kaito KA1102.  And Eton E100    Great little radios. And the Kaito also gets single side band (SSB) on shortwave.  They don’t make them anymore unfortunately.  I keep mine in protective zipper cases that fit them snuggly.  They’re like brand new. 
   Absolutely a great source of information in the event of disaster. 

[Catoni]

1 hour ago, Photoguy21 said:

Wouldnt matter if you had if the transmitter is down you wont get anything.

  There is more than just one transmitter.  I receive all kinds of stations on a.m./f.m./s.w. 

[Bim Smith]

Does he know something we don't. After all the WEF stated by 2030 we will own nothing and be happy.