Near Mae Chan, Thailand, a few miles from the Burmese border, these Thai workers are diligently planting rice. I spent several hours with them in this particular rice field and really enjoyed talking with them. They had the advantage of special protective socks to protect against the shells of snails, freshwater clams and crabs, while I was barefoot. Ironic since their feet are typically far more durable than mine.

The Thai rice planters work in a very organized and systematic fashion. They are paid by the owner of the field based on area (square rai). The planting rows tend to be very uniform in contrast to the planting style of the less expensive labor provided by Burmese workers who also plant rice in the area. The difference in planting style, and results is quite obvious.