Rice Farmer in Chiang Rai Turns Field into Cartoon Cats Art

In the northern Thai province of Chiang Rai, farmer Tanyapong Jaikham and his fellow villagers scattered seedlings depicting cartoon cats over the field in an effort to entice sightseers and feline fans.

To represent a traditional saying about plenty, an aerial view of a Thai rice field shows a sleeping cat cuddling a fish, which stands out among the growing rainbow seedlings.

“We’re expecting tens of thousands to come and see the art in the rice fields,” according to him.

He elaborated that as the plants mature, their colors would change, and that the technique depends on GPS coordinates to place the seedlings where an original artist’s drawing specifies.

According to him, “it’s crucial to position them accurately, and the rice will gradually change shades over time.” Eventually, at the last step of harvesting, the rice straw would reveal a painting of Cooper, the cat that served as its inspiration.

Construction of observation towers in the vicinity will allow onlookers a bird’s-eye view of the artwork—which draws inspiration from the Thai proverb “There is fish in the water and rice in the fields”—when they arrive.

In 2023, Thailand plans to transport 8.5 million metric tonnes of grain, making it the world’s second-largest exporter behind India.

According to Tanyapong, the site could also be useful for young people who are interested in learning more about how art and technology interact.

“Previously, rice was mainly considered for consumption,” according to him. This approach allows us to develop tourism and agriculture simultaneously.”

Embracing Winter in Chiang Rai: Weather, Festivals, and Attractions

Embracing Winter in Chiang Rai: Weather, Festivals, and Attractions