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  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks lead a prayer during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking029.jpg
  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks collect alms from the crowd during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking027.jpg
  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks lead a prayer during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking009.jpg
  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A girl pours floral water into an altar in Lumpini Park during a "sticky rice merit making" in the park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking007.jpg
  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man makes a floral altar during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking006.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND: A man covers his water barrels with plastic getting water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought035.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND: A man fills recycled soft drink bottles with water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought032.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND:    Water flows into a cistern people use for bathing at the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought029.jpg
  • 09 MAY 2016 - SANGKHA, SURIN, THAILAND: A woman works in her rice field with her son, preparing to plant the 2016 rice crop. Normally the fields would have been prepped in April and rice planted in May but farmers are several weeks behind schedule because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought021.jpg
  • 09 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND:    People get water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it. In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought009.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2016 - BURI RAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: People on a motorcycle duck raindrops during an unseasonal thunderstorm in Buri Ram, Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamRain004.jpg
  • 21 JANUARY 2016 - NONG YA KHAO, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: Farmers harvest cassava in a field in Nakhon Ratchasima province of Thailand. Cassava, a drought resistant root vegetable, is one of the vegetables the Thai government is encouraging farmers to grow instead of rice and other more water dependent crops. Thailand is the world's leading exporter of dried cassava flakes.  The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought068.jpg
  • 21 JANUARY 2016 - NONG YA KHAO, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: Farmers harvest cassava in a field in Nakhon Ratchasima province of Thailand. Cassava, a drought resistant root vegetable, is one of the vegetables the Thai government is encouraging farmers to grow instead of rice and other more water dependent crops. Thailand is the world's leading exporter of dried cassava flakes.  The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought067.jpg
  • 21 JANUARY 2016 - KHLONG PHAI, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: Maintenance workers repair the spillway  at Lam Takhong Dam in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The dam is only 30 percent of its capacity and farmers downstream have been told they can't draw irrigation water from the dam.  The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought047.jpg
  • 21 JANUARY 2016 - KHLONG PHAI, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: Lam Takhong Dam in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The dam is only 30 percent of its capacity and farmers downstream have been told they can't draw irrigation water from the dam.  The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought046.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - KHAM THALE SO, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: A dried irrigation canal in Nakhon Ratchasima province. At this time of year it should be full but hasn't been used in months because of the drought in Thailand. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought044.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - KHAM THALE SO, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: A woman pulls a cart of rice hay for her water buffalo back to her home in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought040.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: A woman helps her neighbor fill his water jugs when they went looking for water. In return, she got to keep some of the water when they got back to their homes. The water was more than one mile from their homes in Si Liam. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought038.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: A woman doles out water to a neighbor in Si Liam. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought032.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND:  A farmer spreads irrigation water in a field on a farm in Si Liam, Buri Ram. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought021.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: A farmer spreads irrigation water in a field on a farm in Si Liam, Buri Ram. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought012.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: The community reservoir in Si Liam, Buri Ram, is lower than it has ever been forcing residents to find an alternative source of domestic water. The reservoir, which is rain fed, is not expected to refill until the rainy season starts in May, leaving the community without water for four months. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought004.jpg
  • 26 SEPTEMBER 2014 - PATTAYA, CHONBURI, THAILAND: People dance in a local bar that caters to mostly Thais in Pataya. Pataya, a beach resort about two hours from Bangkok, has wrestled with a reputation of having a high crime rate and being a haven for sex tourism. After the coup in May, the military government cracked down on other Thai beach resorts, notably Phuket and Hua Hin, putting military officers in charge of law enforcement and cleaning up unlicensed businesses that encroached on beaches. Pattaya city officials have launched their own crackdown and clean up in order to prevent a military crackdown. City officials have vowed to remake Pattaya as a "family friendly" destination. City police and tourist police now patrol "Walking Street," Pattaya's notorious red light district, and officials are cracking down on unlicensed businesses on the beach.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PattayaMakeover059.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND: Women dance during a merit making procession on the last day of the Ghost Festival in Dan Sai.  Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon133.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND: People participate in a merit making ceremony on the last morning of the Ghost Festival at Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai. Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon127.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND: People participate in a merit making ceremony on the last morning of the Ghost Festival at Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai. Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon126.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks at a merit making ceremony at Wat Ponchai on the last morning of the ghost festival. Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon123.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks at a merit making ceremony at Wat Ponchai on the last morning of the ghost festival. Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon122.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND: Women wait to go into Wat Ponchai on the last morning of the Ghost Festival. Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon114.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks and novices put away a parade float after the Ghost Festival in Dan Sai. Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon102.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Members of the audience dance in spectators' area during a mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118059.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A performer does a costume change backstage between songs at a mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118046.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118045.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Performers in a mor lam show puts on makeup before going on stage at a mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118031.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A performer in a mor lam show puts on makeup before going on stage at a mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118028.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Members of the cast eat lunch backstage while the crew sets up the stage before a mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118013.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A member of the crew hauls stage rigging across an under construction stage before a mor lam in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118010.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thai soldiers pat down people going into a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show in Bangkok. Security is usually tight at the shows because drunken brawls sometimes break out towards the end of the night. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam118.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  The Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe performs in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam115.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  The Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe performs in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam108.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Spectators dance during a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam104.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Spectators dance during a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam099.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A performer with the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe  puts on his costume before a show in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A cast member of the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe picks up her feathered headdress before a performance in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Sailors with the Royal Thai Navy provide security at a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show in Bangkok. There is usually a lot of drinking at the shows and brawls frequently break out at the end of the night. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A performer with the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe greets a fan during a performance in Bangkok. Although the show is scripted, performers leave their place in the show to go down and greet fans throughout the show. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam070.jpg
  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A spectator at a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show uses her smart phone to photograph a performer.  Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam065.jpg
  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A spectator at a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show carries 100Baht (roughly $3.30 US) to the stage to tip a performer.  Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam064.jpg
  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Spectators dance during a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam058.jpg
  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Spectators dance during a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam055.jpg
  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: The Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe performs in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam054.jpg
  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: The Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe performs in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Performers with the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe wait in the wings to go onstage during a performance in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam041.jpg
  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Spectators at a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam show in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A performer with the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe greets fans during a performance in Bangkok. Although the show is scripted, performers leave their place in the show to go down and greet fans throughout the show. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A traditional Thai "Khon Mask" at a shrine performers pray at before going on stage with the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman prays during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks collect alms from the crowd during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man makes a floral altar during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking005.jpg
  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman pours floral water into an altar in Lumpini Park during a "sticky rice merit making" in the park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking003.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - LAM NANG RONG, BURI RAM, THAILAND: A farmer spreads rice seed in his field in Buri Ram, Thailand. Many farmers in Thailand are several weeks behind schedule because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND:    A man at the public school in Ban Khana fills the water cisterns with water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The school hasn't had running water for about one month. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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  • 09 MAY 2016 - SANGKHA, SURIN, THAILAND: A woman and her son pose in their rice field in Surin while the woman was hoeing the field and preparing to plant her 2016 rice crop. Normally the fields would have been prepped in April and rice planted in May but farmers are several weeks behind schedule because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought019.jpg
  • 09 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND:    People get water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it. In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought011.jpg
  • 09 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND:    People get water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it. In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought007.jpg
  • 21 JANUARY 2016 - NONG YA KHAO, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: Farmers harvest cassava in a field in Nakhon Ratchasima province of Thailand. Cassava, a drought resistant root vegetable, is one of the vegetables the Thai government is encouraging farmers to grow instead of rice and other more water dependent crops. Thailand is the world's leading exporter of dried cassava flakes.  The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought070.jpg
  • 21 JANUARY 2016 - KHLONG PHAI, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: Maintenance workers repair the spillway  at Lam Takhong Dam in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The dam is only 30 percent of its capacity and farmers downstream have been told they can't draw irrigation water from the dam.  The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought051.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - KHAM THALE SO, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND: A woman pulls a cart of rice hay for her water buffalo back to her home in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought043.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: A woman helps her neighbor fill his water jugs when they went looking for water. In return, she got to keep some of the water when they got back to their homes. The water was more than one mile from their homes in Si Liam. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought036.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: A farmer drives his tractor through Si Liam on his way to find water. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought034.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND:  A farmer works on his irrigation system in a field on a farm in Si Liam, Buri Ram. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought019.jpg
  • 20 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: A farmer spreads irrigation water in a field on a farm in Si Liam, Buri Ram. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought010.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: A farmer in Si Liam. He said he has lived in the community for more than 50 years and can't remember it ever being so dry. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought007.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2016 - SI LIAM, BURI RAM, THAILAND: The community reservoir in Si Liam, Buri Ram, is lower than it has ever been forcing residents to find an alternative source of domestic water. The reservoir, which is rain fed, is not expected to refill until the rainy season starts in May, leaving the community without water for four months. The drought gripping Thailand was not broken during the rainy season. Because of the Pacific El Nino weather pattern, the rainy season was lighter than usual and many communities in Thailand, especially in northeastern and central Thailand, are still in drought like conditions. Some communities, like Si Liam, in Buri Ram, are running out of water for domestic consumption and residents are traveling miles every day to get water or they buy to from water trucks that occasionally come to the community. The Thai government has told farmers that can't plant a second rice crop (Thai farmers usually get two rice crops a year from their paddies). The government is also considering diverting water from the Mekong and Salaween Rivers, on Thailand's borders to meet domestic needs but Thailand's downstream neighbors object to that because it could leave them short of water.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuriRamDrought006.jpg
  • 26 SEPTEMBER 2014 - PATTAYA, CHONBURI, THAILAND: People dance in a local bar that caters to mostly Thais in Pataya. Pataya, a beach resort about two hours from Bangkok, has wrestled with a reputation of having a high crime rate and being a haven for sex tourism. After the coup in May, the military government cracked down on other Thai beach resorts, notably Phuket and Hua Hin, putting military officers in charge of law enforcement and cleaning up unlicensed businesses that encroached on beaches. Pattaya city officials have launched their own crackdown and clean up in order to prevent a military crackdown. City officials have vowed to remake Pattaya as a "family friendly" destination. City police and tourist police now patrol "Walking Street," Pattaya's notorious red light district, and officials are cracking down on unlicensed businesses on the beach.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PattayaMakeover058.jpg
  • 26 SEPTEMBER 2014 - PATTAYA, CHONBURI, THAILAND: Bar patrons dance with the singer in a local bar that caters to mostly Thais in Pataya. Pataya, a beach resort about two hours from Bangkok, has wrestled with a reputation of having a high crime rate and being a haven for sex tourism. After the coup in May, the military government cracked down on other Thai beach resorts, notably Phuket and Hua Hin, putting military officers in charge of law enforcement and cleaning up unlicensed businesses that encroached on beaches. Pattaya city officials have launched their own crackdown and clean up in order to prevent a military crackdown. City officials have vowed to remake Pattaya as a "family friendly" destination. City police and tourist police now patrol "Walking Street," Pattaya's notorious red light district, and officials are cracking down on unlicensed businesses on the beach.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PattayaMakeover049.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND: A man plays a khaen (a bamboo flute from northern Thailand and Laos) while a woman dances during a merit making procession on the last day of the Ghost Festival in Dan Sai.  Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon132.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND: People participate in a merit making ceremony on the last morning of the Ghost Festival at Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai. Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon128.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND:  A woman sits on the balcony around Wat Ponchai during the "Ghost Festival." Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon106.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A member of the audience takes a "selfie" with his iPhone with a performer during a mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118061.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man watches a mor lam show from his apartment window in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118057.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A performer in a mor lam show puts on makeup before going on stage at a mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118040.jpg
  • 19 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A performer in a mor lam show puts on makeup before going on stage at a mor lam show in Khlong Tan Market in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam0118025.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A grilled meat vendor sells food to people going into a Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe show in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam120.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: The stage of the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe during a performance in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam117.jpg
  • 23 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A member of the cast of the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe puts on her nail polish before a performance in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam092.jpg
  • 22 NOVEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Performers with the Prathom Bunteung Silp mor lam troupe put on their makeup before a show in Bangkok. Mor Lam is a traditional Lao form of song in Laos and Isan (northeast Thailand). It is sometimes compared to American country music, song usually revolve around unrequited love, mor lam and the complexities of rural life. Mor Lam shows are an important part of festivals and fairs in rural Thailand. Mor lam has become very popular in Isan migrant communities in Bangkok. Once performed by bands and singers, live performances are now spectacles, involving several singers, a dance troupe and comedians. The dancers (or hang khreuang) in particular often wear fancy costumes, and singers go through several costume changes in the course of a performance. Prathom Bunteung Silp is one of the best known Mor Lam troupes in Thailand with more than 250 performers and a total crew of almost 300 people. The troupe has been performing for more 55 years. It forms every August and performs through June then breaks for the rainy season.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MorLam003.jpg
  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman prays before presenting cooked sticky rice to monks during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking022.jpg
  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman prays before presenting cooked sticky rice to monks during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking017.jpg
  • 17 MARCH 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man makes a floral altar during a "sticky rice merit making" in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. Sticky rice merit making is a merit making in the Isan / Lao style, when people present small amounts of cooked sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice) to Buddhist monks. Isan is the northeast region of Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    StickyRiceMeritMaking008.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND: A man fills recycled soft drink bottles with water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought058.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND: A man fills recycled soft drink bottles with water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought057.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - BAN KHANA, TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND: Water buffalo walk down the main road in the village of Ban Khana, near the Cambodian border in Surin province, Thailand. Water buffalo used to be the main "beast of burden" for Thai farmers but now most Thai farmers use tractors and buffalo are kept as a source of meat.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinWaterBuffalo003.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND: People carry water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand back to their pickup truck. They filled hundreds of recycled soft drink bottles with water from the well. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it. In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought044.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND: People get water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it. In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought041.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND:    A man at the public school in Ban Khana fills the water cisterns with water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The school hasn't had running water for about one month. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought038.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND: A woman at the public school in Ban Khana fills the water cisterns with water from the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The school hasn't had running water for about one month. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought036.jpg
  • 10 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND:    Water flows into a cistern people use for bathing at the artesian well in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The well is the most important source of drinking water for thousands of people in the communities surrounding it.  In the past many of the people had domestic water piped to their homes or from wells in their villages but those water sources have dried up because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought030.jpg
  • 09 MAY 2016 - BAN CHAN, SURIN, THAILAND:   A farmer prepares his rice fields for planting in Surin, Thailand. Normally the fields would have been prepped in April and rice planted in May but farmers are several weeks behind schedule because of the drought in Thailand. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought015.jpg
  • 09 MAY 2016 - TA TUM, SURIN, THAILAND:    People swim in the reservoir behind Huai Khanad Mon Dam in Ta Tum, Surin, Thailand. The reservoir is almost out of water and is too low to water the agricultural fields around it. Thailand is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 50 years. The government has asked farmers to delay planting their rice until the rains start, which is expected to be in June. The drought is expected to cut Thai rice production and limit exports of Thai rice. The drought, caused by a very strong El Nino weather pattern is cutting production in the world's top three rice exporting countries:  India, Thailand and Vietnam. Rice prices in markets in Thailand and neighboring Cambodia are starting to creep up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SurinDrought001.jpg
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Jack Kurtz: Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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