In northern Thailand, a mix of creativity and agriculture has given rise to a unique spectacle. Tanyapong Jaikham, juggling roles as a factory worker, farmer, and artist, has turned his rice fields into an extraordinary canvas featuring adorable cat-themed artwork. Jaikham's masterpieces on his land in Chiang Rai include cats sprawled across the rice fields, with one cuddling up to a fish and three cats taking a nap. These larger-than-life also carry cultural significance, illustrating a traditional proverb about abundance. As per a Reuters report, the idea was Inspired by Japanese Tambo art, where rice fields are used to make art to attract tourists.
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The Purr-fect Rice Fields:
Since October, Jaikham and a dedicated team of over 200 volunteers have painstakingly planted rainbow-coloured rice plants, creating a tapestry of hues across the landscape, according to ricenewstoday. Jaikham used GPS coordinates and a drone to ensure precision in planting. The rice plants, with their varied colours, transform over time, culminating in a vibrant portrait of Cooper, the cat that served as the artistic muse.
"It's crucial to position them accurately, and the rice will gradually change shades over time," Reuters report quoted Jaikham.
Sleeping cats have emerged in the rice paddy fields in northern Thailand https://t.co/3K62Fzqj9mpic.twitter.com/U4TZvO0I89— Reuters (@Reuters) December 18, 2023
Anticipating Tourist Influx:
As word spreads about this cat-themed artwork, Jaikham anticipates tens of thousands of visitors eager to witness the transformation of the rice fields. Viewing towers are under construction to provide spectators with an optimal vantage point. The project is rooted in a Thai saying, "There is fish in the water and rice in the fields," reported Reuters. The project aligns with Thailand's aspirations as the world's second-largest rice exporter, aiming to ship 8.5 million metric tons this year.
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Going by the pictures, the cat-themed rice field is a unique food art that would surely serve as a visual treat for all the visitors.