Considering Rice In Thailand
By: Laura M. Davila
Abstract
One of the world’s most consumed grain is rice. It is exported from many different countries throughout the world, mainly in Asia. The global consumption for rice in 2011 was 444 million metric tons. Thailand is currently the second largest producer of rice, falling just behind Vietnam (Childs) . As one of the top exporters in the world, rice cultivation in Thailand plays a key role in the culture and economy of the country. It requires extensive hours of labor and a complicated process for growing. Thailand has cultivated rice for many centuries, improving its quality over time. Although its origin is debatable, rice can be dated back to many centuries ago. Thailand began exporting rice since before WWI, when a ban of exporting rice was lifted by the King (Siamwalla 235-236). Currently, the government of Thailand has several policies in place that control the rice market. Most notably, a rice subsidy (introduced by the previous government in 2011) where rice was bought at 50% above the market price. However, this plan backfired, and left the Thai government with millions of tons of rice (Chomchuen). Nonetheless, Thai rice is still known for its high quality. The most common strain of rice produced today is the well known jasmine rice. Thais eat rice 2-3 times a day, and it is also included in popular desserts such as Khaoneaw Moon and Kanom Krok. Rice is a significant part of the Thailand culture. The cultivation of rice requires extensive hours of labor as well as a complicated process for growing. This collection of photographs focuses on the rice fields as part of the culture in Thailand. Rice cultivation and harvesting plays active role in the market as the country’s staple crop. The photographs were taken in Southern Thailand during the month of July of 2014.
Considering Rice In Thailand
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Author Bio
Laura M. Davila was born in Monterrey, Mexico where she grew up part of her life before moving to Texas. She graduated from St. Edward’s University with a degree in Photocommunications, and she currently resides and works in Austin. Her interest in photography was drawn at a young age, and when she traveled to Thailand the summer of 2014, she developed a keen interest in the cultivation of rice in the country. ! ! One of the world’s most consumed grain is rice. It is exported from several different countries throughout the world, mainly Asian countries. Thailand is one of the top exporters in the world, and rice cultivation plays a key role in the culture and economy of the country. It requires extensive hours of labor and a complicated process for growing.Thailand has cultivated rice for many centuries, improving its quality over time. This collection of photographs focuses on the rice fields as part of the culture in Thailand. The photographs were taken in Southern Thailand during the month of July of 2014.