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  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: River boats on the Mekong River in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Laos is in the background. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought035.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  Water from the Mekong River irrigates a newly planted corn field in a flood plain on the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.                   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought077.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - MY THO, VIETNAM: Boat traffic on the Mekong River near My Tho, the capitol of Tien Giang province, on the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811021.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - MY THO, VIETNAM: Boat traffic on the Mekong River near My Tho, the capitol of Tien Giang province, on the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811020.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Crewmen on a Laotian flagged river boat hauling Thai manufactured good to China on the Mekong River near Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought003.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - MY THO, VIETNAM: Boat traffic on the Mekong River near My Tho, the capitol of Tien Giang province, on the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811005.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Thais play in the Mekong River on the Thai side of the river in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought037.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2006 - CHAU DOC, AN GIANG, VIETNAM: Men haul a fishing net out of the Mekong River near Chau Doc in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vietnam0811015.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - MY THO, VIETNAM: Boat traffic on the Mekong River near My Tho, the capitol of Tien Giang province, on the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811004.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - MY THO, VIETNAM: Commercial ship traffic on the Mekong River near My Tho, capitol of Tien Giang province in Vietnam on the Mekong River. My Tho is the closest port to Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong and its delta is the economic lifeblood of southern Vietnam. The river carries a tremendous amount of commercial shipping and passenger traffic and the rice paddies in the delta have become the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Vietnam is now the second leading exporter of rice in the world, after Thailand. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vietnam0811003.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A corn farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his newly planted corn field in a flood plain on the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.                   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought083.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2006 - CHAU DOC, AN GIANG, VIETNAM: A woman rows a small boat through a floating village on the Mekong River near Chau Doc, Vietnam in the Mekong delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5018.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  JANG, a corn farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, tends to his newly planted corn field in a flood plain on the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.                   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought081.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: An empty chair sits in the Mekong River at a beach near Chiang Khong. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought064.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A man recycles cardboard in Chiang Khong port, Thailand. Laos is in the background on the other side of the Mekong River. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought062.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer harvests cabbages on her farm in the Mekong River flood plain in Chiang Saen, Thailand. The farmer's land floods every year during the rainy season. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought039.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: River boats on the Mekong River in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Laos is in the background. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought034.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A crewman on a Laotian flagged river boat hauling Thai manufactured good to China on the Mekong River near Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought004.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - MY THO, VIETNAM: Commercial ship traffic on the Mekong River near My Tho, capitol of Tien Giang province in Vietnam on the Mekong River. My Tho is the closest port to Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong and its delta is the economic lifeblood of southern Vietnam. The river carries a tremendous amount of commercial shipping and passenger traffic and the rice paddies in the delta have become the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Vietnam is now the second leading exporter of rice in the world, after Thailand. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vietnam0811006.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2006 - CHAU DOC, AN GIANG, VIETNAM: A rows a small boat through a floating village on the Mekong River near Chau Doc, Vietnam in the Mekong delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5017.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  JANG, a corn farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, tends to his newly planted corn field in a flood plain on the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.                   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought080.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: An empty chair sits in the Mekong River at a beach near Chiang Khong. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought063.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Unused ferries moored in Chiang Khong port after ferry service across the Mekong River to Laos was discontinued. The service was discontinued when a new bridge was opened in September 2013. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought052.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer harvests cabbages on her farm in the Mekong River flood plain in Chiang Saen, Thailand. The farmer's land floods every year during the rainy season. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought041.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer harvests cabbages on her farm in the Mekong River flood plain in Chiang Saen, Thailand. The farmer's land floods every year during the rainy season. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought040.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: The captain of a Mekong River ferry guides his boat across the Mekong River. The Mekong River ferries are disappearing as bridges across the river are completed and roads along the river are paved. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject031.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: Detail of the bow of a Vietnamese river boat in a canal near Cai Be in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5008.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A corn farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his newly planted corn field in a flood plain on the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.                   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought082.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A newly planted corn field in a flood plain on the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.                   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought078.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Men in Chiang Khong port wait for a small boat to take their load of Chinese made mattresses to across the Mekong River to Laos. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought061.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Women get off an informal ferry that takes passengers back and forth across the Mekong River between Chiang Khong, Thailand and Laos. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought053.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer harvests cabbages on her farm in the Mekong River flood plain in Chiang Saen, Thailand. The farmer's land floods every year during the rainy season. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought042.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer carries a basket of freshly harvest cabbages off his farm in the Mekong River flood plain in Chiang Saen, Thailand. The farmer's land floods every year during the rainy season. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought038.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer covers his field in straw along on a flood plain in the Mekong River. The farmer's land floods every year during the rainy season. This year Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought036.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: Boat traffic in a canal near Cai Be in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam05007.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2006 - CHAU DOC, AN GIANG, VIETNAM: A rows a small boat through a floating village on the Mekong River near Chau Doc, Vietnam in the Mekong delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5016.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2006 - CHAU DOC, AN GIANG, VIETNAM: A rows a small boat through a floating village on the Mekong River near Chau Doc, Vietnam in the Mekong delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5015.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  JANG, a corn farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, tends to his newly planted corn field in a flood plain on the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.                   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought079.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM:  A man packs a canvas bag in Cai Be, a town in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811010.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - MY THO, VIETNAM: A barge hauling sand in My Tho, the capitol of Tien Giang province, on the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. Sand from the delta is used in concrete and cement and is fueling the construction boom in nearby Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811002.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Workers in Chiang Saen port load water buffalo onto a river boat that hauls cattle and buffalo to meat markets in southern China. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought047.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Workers in Chiang Saen port load water buffalo onto a river boat that hauls cattle and buffalo to meat markets in southern China. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought042.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load juice and drinks made in Thailand onto a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought032.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Chinese flags flying over Chinese river boats tied up in the port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought020.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: A man pushes an ash cart to a kiln in a brick factory near Cai Be in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam05002.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: Ships tied up in Cai Be, a city in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811009.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: A Vietnamese flag flies from the mast of a ship in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811008.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: Commercial shipping in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811007.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - MY THO, VIETNAM: A tug boat crew relaxes in the My Tho, the capitol of Tien Giang province, on the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811001.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2006 - CHAU DOC, AN GIANG, VIETNAM: A man casts a fishing net into a lagoon off the Mekong River in an ethnic Cham community near Chau Doc, Vietnam. The Cham are an ethnic minority in the delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5010.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: Men paddle a canoe of tiles up a canal in Cai Be in the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5002.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: Men paddle a canoe of tiles up a canal in Cai Be in the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5001.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A pet dog on a riverboat that hauls freights between Chiang Khong, Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. It takes the boats two and a half days to make the voyage. Luang Prabang is as far downriver as boats can go in the dry season because the river becomes unnavigable due to rocks and sandbars. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought060.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: The crew on a riverboat that hauls freights between Chiang Khong, Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos eats a lunch of green mango and chili dip. It takes the boats two and a half days to make the voyage. Luang Prabang is as far downriver as boats can go in the dry season because the river becomes unnavigable due to rocks and sandbars. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought059.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Workers in Chiang Saen port load water buffalo onto a river boat that hauls cattle and buffalo to meat markets in southern China. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought045.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Workers in Chiang Saen port load water buffalo onto a river boat that hauls cattle and buffalo to meat markets in southern China. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought043.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A Burmese stevedore takes a drink of water while loading a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought033.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load juice and drinks made in Thailand onto a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought027.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load juice and drinks made in Thailand onto a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought026.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Chinese flagged river boats tied up in the port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought022.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A man works on a small river freighter on the beach in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought014.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load fertilizer and building supplies onto a small river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought013.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: The Laotian captain of a small river boat waits for his boat to be loaded. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought011.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A shipment of computer parts made in Thailand is loaded onto a Laotian flagged river boat for shipment to China in the commercial port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Water levels in the port are at near record lows. Normally the water is near the top of the concrete wall, but currently it's almost 15 feet below that. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought006.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Laotian river sailers get off their cargo boat at the commercial port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought005.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: A passenger ferry hauls people to a village near Cai Be in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vietnam0811014.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: A boy sets out a fishing net in a village near Cai Be in the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vietnam0811013.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: A fisherman hauls in his net in the Mekong River delta near Cai Be. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811012.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: Children in a hammock in front of their home in Cai Be in the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    Vietnam0811011.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: Boat traffic in a canal near Cai Be in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5009.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: A load of bananas being taken to Cai Be in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5006.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: A family hauls in a fishing net they set over night near Cai Be in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5005.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2006 - CAI BE, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM: A man rows a small boat to Cai Be in the Mekong River delta. The Mekong is the lifeblood of southern Vietnam. It is the country's rice bowl and has enabled Vietnam to become the second leading rice exporting country in the world (after Thailand). The Mekong delta also carries commercial and passenger traffic throughout the region.  Photo by Jack Kurtz
    VietnamMekong5003.jpg
  • 08 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: Thai Border Police search Laotian citizens entering Thailand after crossing the Mekong River to shop in the market in That Phanom. One police officer that it was easier for criminals, mostly drug runners and immigrant smugglers, to sneak into Thailand because they could just walk across the river. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange074.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A crewman on a Chinese cargo boat on the Mekong River pulls up the anchor as the boat, carrying a cargo of cars, Red Bull energy drink and passengers heads up the Mekong bound for Kunming in China. Chinese businesses play an increasingly important role in the Chiang Rai economy. Consumer goods made in China are shipped to Thailand while agricultural products made in Thailand are shipped to China. Large Chinese cargo boats ply the Mekong River as far south as Chiang Saen in the dry season and Chiang Khong when river levels go up in the rainy season.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChineseInChiangRai002.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A crewman makes a chili dip for lunch on a riverboat that hauls freights between Chiang Khong, Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. It takes the boats two and a half days to make the voyage. Luang Prabang is as far downriver as boats can go in the dry season because the river becomes unnavigable due to rocks and sandbars. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought058.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A crewman makes a chili dip for lunch on a riverboat that hauls freights between Chiang Khong, Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. It takes the boats two and a half days to make the voyage. Luang Prabang is as far downriver as boats can go in the dry season because the river becomes unnavigable due to rocks and sandbars. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought057.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A crewman checks his smart phone on a riverboat that hauls freights between Chiang Khong, Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. It takes the boats two and a half days to make the voyage. Luang Prabang is as far downriver as boats can go in the dry season because the river becomes unnavigable due to rocks and sandbars. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought056.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A crewman checks his smart phone on a riverboat that hauls freights between Chiang Khong, Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. It takes the boats two and a half days to make the voyage. Luang Prabang is as far downriver as boats can go in the dry season because the river becomes unnavigable due to rocks and sandbars. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought055.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG KHONG, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A crewman checks his smart phone on a riverboat that hauls freights between Chiang Khong, Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. It takes the boats two and a half days to make the voyage. Luang Prabang is as far downriver as boats can go in the dry season because the river becomes unnavigable due to rocks and sandbars. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought054.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Workers in Chiang Saen port load water buffalo onto a river boat that hauls cattle and buffalo to meat markets in southern China. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought046.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Workers in Chiang Saen port load water buffalo onto a river boat that hauls cattle and buffalo to meat markets in southern China. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought045.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Workers in Chiang Saen port load water buffalo onto a river boat that hauls cattle and buffalo to meat markets in southern China. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.               PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought044.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load juice and drinks made in Thailand onto a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought031.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Chinese flagged river boats tied up in the port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought030.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load juice and drinks made in Thailand onto a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought028.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load juice and drinks made in Thailand onto a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought025.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load juice and drinks made in Thailand onto a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought024.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load juice and drinks made in Thailand onto a Chinese flagged river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought023.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Chinese flags flying over Chinese river boats tied up in the port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought021.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Chinese flagged river boats tied up in the port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought019.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A man works on a small river freighter on the beach in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought017.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A man works on a small river freighter on the beach in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought016.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A Laotian flagged river freighter takes Thai made computer parts upriver to China through Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought015.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load fertilizer and building supplies onto a small river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought012.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load fertilizer and building supplies onto a small river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought010.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese stevedores load fertilizer and building supplies onto a small river freighter in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought009.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese laborers load a shipment of computer parts made in Thailand onto a Laotian flagged river boat for shipment to China in the commercial port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Water levels in the port are at near record lows. Normally the water is near the top of the concrete wall, but currently it's almost 15 feet below that. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought008.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A crewman on a Laotian flagged river boat hauling Thai manufactured good to China waits for his boat to be loaded in the commercial port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought007.jpg
  • 21 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A shipment of computer parts made in Thailand is loaded onto a Laotian flagged river boat for shipment to China in the commercial port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. Water levels in the port are at near record lows. Normally the water is near the top of the concrete wall, but currently it's almost 15 feet below that. Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand is facing a drought this year. The 2014 drought has been brought on by lower than normal dry season rains. At the same time, closing dams in Yunnan province of China has caused the level of the Mekong River to drop suddenly exposing rocks and sandbars in the normally navigable Mekong River. Changes in the Mekong's levels means commercial shipping can't progress past Chiang Saen. Dozens of ships are tied up in the port area along the city's waterfront.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought002.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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