Rice - Farming

has formed the basis of the Thai economy since the very earliest days and is still the main occupation of the country’s farmer. The most abundant fields are those of the Central Plains, stretching far to the horizon on either side of the Chao Phraya River, but every region depends upon this traditional grain for sustenance and it is easy for a visitor to observe the various cycles of rice farming no matter where he may be staying.

Though many parts of the country produce two and sometime three crops a year, the beginning of the season is usually thought to commence in May with the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, an ancient Brahmin ritual held at Sanam Luang across from the Grand Palace in Bangkok. A symbolic ploughing takes place at this colourful event, seeds are scattered, and prediction are made regarding the forth coming rainfall and harvest. At this time the rice seedlings are planted by hand, another endeavor in which everyone participates. The rains begin in earnest shortly afterwards, and for about

three months the farmers have relatively little to do except maintaining the level of water in the fields of ripening rice and protecting it against birds and insect pests; many younger men go into the monkhood during this period, thus taking one of the traditional steps toward becoming a mature adult.

By late November or early December, rice in the fields of the north and central plains is ready for harvest. Once again villagers go out in large groups, working with sickles from early morning until dusk with only a pause for lunch. The cut rice is spread in the fields to dry for several days, then arranged in sheaves and taken to the family compound for threshing and winnowing, a task usually completed by January—though it will be later in the far south, which has two rainy season.