After experiencing devastating floods, a Thai farmer has created a stunning rice field art featuring a dragon and other symbolic figures.
By Esha Dasgupta

Tanyapong Jaikham, a Thai farmer, has transformed his rice fields into a vibrant and poignant work of art, paying tribute to the devastating floods that ravaged parts of Northern Thailand, including Chiang Rai, in September 2024. These Thai rice fields are designed to showcase various images, including a majestic red dragon, a mythical four-eared, five-eyed feline deity, and several cats and dogs. These intricate designs are not painted but crafted by meticulously planting different coloured rice seeds.

The project serves as a powerful reminder of the human and animal suffering caused by the floods while also offering a message of hope and resilience.

Over two hectares of land were meticulously transformed using a combination of advanced technology and traditional farming techniques. Jaikham and his team employed AI to plot the intricate design outlines and GPS to pinpoint the planting locations for the 20 kilograms of rainbow rice seeds.

Work on the fields began in October 2024, with the farmer selecting the dragon and the local four-eared, five-eyed feline deity to symbolise the end of the Lunar New Year. The depictions of dogs and cats represent the animals stranded in the floodwaters, awaiting rescue.

Thailand is one of the most visited Asian countries in the world, offering tourists myriad experiences, from beach parties to floating markets to culturally immersive festivals. Some of the most popular places to visit in Thailand include the Phi Phi Islands, Bangkok for cultural landmarks, Phuket and Pattaya for beachside marvels, Krabi for lush mountains, and much more.

Published Date: January 13, 2025