Thai farmer transforms rice fields into tourist magnet with cat art | SEE PICS

Farmer Tanyapong Jaikham and his team planted seedlings in different locations across a field in the northern province of Chiang Rai to create depictions of cartoon cats. From an aerial perspective, a dozing cat embracing a fish comes to life in a picture formed by sprouting rainbow seedlings within a Thai rice field, conveying a traditional proverb about abundance.

Jaikham and a crew of workers strategically planted seedlings across a field in the northern province of Chiang Rai to craft images of cartoon cats, aiming to attract tourists and cat enthusiasts.

"We're expecting tens of thousands to come and see the art in the rice fields," said Jaikham.

Process of designing it 

The procedure depends on GPS coordinates to place the seedlings according to an initial artist's sketch, explained Farmer Tanyapong Jaikham. As the plants mature, their hue undergoes a transformation.

"Accurate placement is crucial and over time, the rice undergoes gradual color changes," he added.

Eventually, during the final harvest stage, the rice straw forms the portrait of Cooper, the cat on which it was based.

Further development to attract tourists

Observation towers are under construction in the vicinity to offer visitors a view of the artwork, inspired by the Thai saying, "There is fish in the water and rice in the fields."

Largest exporters of rice

Thailand, the world's second-largest exporter of rice following India, has set a target to export 8.5 million metric tons of the grain this year.

He mentioned that young individuals seeking to explore the intersection of art and technology could find the site beneficial to their learning, as per the reports.

"Previously, rice was mainly considered for consumption .This approach allows us to develop tourism and agriculture simultaneously," he said.