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  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thousands crowd into the ploughed ground to collect blessed rice seeds at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony016.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thousands crowd into the ploughed ground to collect blessed rice seeds at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony017.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man sells blessed rice seeds his family (background) collected at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony037.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Children sift through the ploughed sand looking for blessed rice seeds at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony029.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A family sifts through the sand they took from the Royal Ploughing Ceremony looking for blessed rice seeds sown by court Brahmins in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony034.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Children sift through the ploughed sand looking for blessed rice seeds at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony028.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Thousands crowd into the ploughed ground to collect blessed rice seeds at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony022.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Thousands crowd into the ploughed ground to collect blessed rice seeds at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony021.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thousands crowd into the ploughed ground to collect blessed rice seeds at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony015.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    A child trips and is dragged by her mother as people rush onto Sanam Luang to collect blessed rice seeds after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony010.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    A child trips and is dragged by her mother as people rush onto Sanam Luang to collect blessed rice seeds after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony008.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People rush onto the field at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony039.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man sells blessed rice seeds his family (background) collected at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony036.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People stroke the Royal Oxen and rub money on the animal's forehead for good luck at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony030.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man sells blessed rice seeds he collected at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony025.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Court attendants hold the Royal Oxen while people stroke them for good luck at the Royal Ploughing ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony024.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A woman sifts through the sand looking for rice seeds blessed by Brahmin priests at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony018.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People wait for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony to start under umbrellas to shield them from the sun and heat. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony038.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A family sifts through the sand they took from the Royal Ploughing Ceremony looking for blessed rice seeds sown by court Brahmins in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony035.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man looks for blessed rice seeds after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony033.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People stroke the Royal Oxen and rub money on the animal's forehead for good luck at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony032.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man sells blessed rice seeds he collected at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony027.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man sells blessed rice seeds he collected at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony026.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man sells blessed rice seeds he collected at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony023.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Women sift through the sand looking for rice seeds blessed by Brahmin priests at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony020.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man sifts through the sand looking for rice seeds blessed by Brahmin priests at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony019.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man looks for blessed rice seeds after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony013.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    A child trips and is dragged by her mother as people rush onto Sanam Luang to collect blessed rice seeds after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony007.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    A child trips and is dragged by her mother as people rush onto Sanam Luang to collect blessed rice seeds after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony006.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A cotton candy vendor works the crowd while Thais looks for blessed rice seeds at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony040.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A man collects blessed rice seeds in a plastic bag after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony014.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People stroke the Royal Oxen and rub money on the animal's forehead for good luck at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony031.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Collected rice seeds and dirt in a farmer's hat after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony011.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    A child trips and is dragged by her mother as people rush onto Sanam Luang to collect blessed rice seeds after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. After the ceremony, thousands of Thais, mostly family formers, rush onto the ploughed ground to gather up the blessed rice seeds sown by the Brahmin priests. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony009.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Thais watch the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony005.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman shades herself with the Thai flag at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony003.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Musicians of the Royal Court start the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony002.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Musicians of the Royal Court start the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony001.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Collected rice seeds and dirt in a farmer's hat after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony012.jpg
  • 09 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Rehearsal for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony on Sanam Luang. The annual Ploughing Ceremony is held during the sixth lunar month (May) at Sanam Luang (the Phramane Ground) in front of the Grand Palace. The event, which marks the beginning of the official rice-planting season, is presided over by His Majesty the King or his representative. The Ploughing Ceremony is thought to date back more than 2500 years. The event has Brahmin origins and even today Brahmin astrologers set the exact date and time for the ceremony. During the Sukhothai period (13th and 14th centuries), the event involved a long processions led by the ruling monarch. Many of the original rites and ceremonies have been maintained.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Bangkok0511006.jpg
  • 09 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Rehearsal for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony on Sanam Luang. The annual Ploughing Ceremony is held during the sixth lunar month (May) at Sanam Luang (the Phramane Ground) in front of the Grand Palace. The event, which marks the beginning of the official rice-planting season, is presided over by His Majesty the King or his representative. The Ploughing Ceremony is thought to date back more than 2500 years. The event has Brahmin origins and even today Brahmin astrologers set the exact date and time for the ceremony. During the Sukhothai period (13th and 14th centuries), the event involved a long processions led by the ruling monarch. Many of the original rites and ceremonies have been maintained.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Bangkok0511007.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man shades himself with the flag of the Royal Family and a fan depicting Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, and his wife, Queen Sirikit.  The Royal Plowing Ceremony is held Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season. The date is usually in May, but is determined by court astrologers and varies year to year. During the ceremony, two sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and plough a small field on Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace), while rice seed is sown by court Brahmins. After the ploughing, the oxen are offered plates of food, including rice, corn, green beans, sesame, fresh-cut grass, water and rice whisky. Depending on what the oxen eat, court astrologers and Brahmins make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. The ceremony is rooted in Brahman belief, and is held to ensure a good harvest. A similar ceremony is held in Cambodia.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RoyalPloughingCeremony004.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2010 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People rush onto the field after the Royal Plowing Ceremony to gather up rice seeds that have been blesses by Brahman priests. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony dates back to at least the Sukhothai Period (ca 13th and 14th centuries). The event is a Brahman ceremony. In ancient times it was to portend the agricultural fortunes of the coming planting season, bless the fields and pray for bountiful rains. Now it is more of a cultural event the Thai monarchy, which presides over the event, uses to stress the importance of farming to the nation. However, people still flock to it for the religious aspects and afterwards try to gather rice seeds, which have been blessed by the Brahman priests. Thailand is experiencing its worst drought in decades this year and despite the prayers of the priests Thai farmers are being told to expect smaller yields. They are being asked to delay planting for up to a month to use less water.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PloughingCeremony002.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2010 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People rush onto the field after the Royal Plowing Ceremony to gather up rice seeds that have been blesses by Brahman priests. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony dates back to at least the Sukhothai Period (ca 13th and 14th centuries). The event is a Brahman ceremony. In ancient times it was to portend the agricultural fortunes of the coming planting season, bless the fields and pray for bountiful rains. Now it is more of a cultural event the Thai monarchy, which presides over the event, uses to stress the importance of farming to the nation. However, people still flock to it for the religious aspects and afterwards try to gather rice seeds, which have been blessed by the Brahman priests. Thailand is experiencing its worst drought in decades this year and despite the prayers of the priests Thai farmers are being told to expect smaller yields. They are being asked to delay planting for up to a month to use less water.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PloughingCeremony001.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2010 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People look for rice seeds that have been blesses by Brahman priests after the Royal Plowing Ceremony. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony dates back to at least the Sukhothai Period (ca 13th and 14th centuries). The event is a Brahman ceremony. In ancient times it was to portend the agricultural fortunes of the coming planting season, bless the fields and pray for bountiful rains. Now it is more of a cultural event the Thai monarchy, which presides over the event, uses to stress the importance of farming to the nation. However, people still flock to it for the religious aspects and afterwards try to gather rice seeds, which have been blessed by the Brahman priests. Thailand is experiencing its worst drought in decades this year and despite the prayers of the priests Thai farmers are being told to expect smaller yields. They are being asked to delay planting for up to a month to use less water.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PloughingCeremony004.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2010 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People look for rice seeds that have been blesses by Brahman priests after the Royal Plowing Ceremony. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony dates back to at least the Sukhothai Period (ca 13th and 14th centuries). The event is a Brahman ceremony. In ancient times it was to portend the agricultural fortunes of the coming planting season, bless the fields and pray for bountiful rains. Now it is more of a cultural event the Thai monarchy, which presides over the event, uses to stress the importance of farming to the nation. However, people still flock to it for the religious aspects and afterwards try to gather rice seeds, which have been blessed by the Brahman priests. Thailand is experiencing its worst drought in decades this year and despite the prayers of the priests Thai farmers are being told to expect smaller yields. They are being asked to delay planting for up to a month to use less water.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PloughingCeremony003.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A man rides his motorcycle past a grassfire buring out weeds in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand.  The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning040.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - BANTHI, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:    A burnt out field in Banthi, Lamphun province, Thailand. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning035.jpg
  • 08 CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND:    A woman wears a breathing mask while she drives her motorcycle through Chiang Mai, Thailand. Many people in Chiang Mai and nothern Thailand wearing masks because of the air pollution caused by smoke from fires in the area. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning029.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: A Buddhist novice wearing a mask to block out smoke and pollutants works with his fellow novices at Wat Jetlin in Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning026.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Hikers cover their faces because of the smoke as they walk past an illegal burn on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning022.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning020.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning016.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning009.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A man rides his motorcycle past a grassfire buring out weeds in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand.  The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning047.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  An assistant village headman from Khuntan, Lamphun province, throws water on a grassfire burning on a roadside in the community. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning046.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A woman rides her motorcycle past a grassfire buring out weeds in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand.  The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning044.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A grassfire set by people who wanted to burn out weeds and dead grass from a road side burns in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning042.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A grassfire set by people who wanted to burn out weeds and dead grass from a road side burns in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning041.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A grassfire set by people who wanted to burn out weeds and dead grass from a road side burns in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning039.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A grassfire set by people who wanted to burn out weeds and dead grass from a road side burns in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning036.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A grassfire set by people who wanted to burn out weeds and dead grass from a road side burns in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning037.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A grassfire set by people who wanted to burn out weeds and dead grass from a road side burns in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning038.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - BANTHI, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:    A sign put up by the Thai government urges people not to burn the grass in their fields this year. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning034.jpg
  • 09 APRIL, 2013 - DO SAKET, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND:  A Shan hilltribe man walks along the highway in Doi Saket to a nearby hospital. He said he was going to the hospital because he couldn't breathe because of the smoke in the air. He said that was also why he was wearing the breathing mask. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning033.jpg
  • 09 APRIL, 2013 - DO SAKET, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND:  A Shan hilltribe man walks along the highway in Doi Saket to a nearby hospital. He said he was going to the hospital because he couldn't breathe because of the smoke in the air. He said that was also why he was wearing the breathing mask. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning032.jpg
  • 09 APRIL, 2013 - DO SAKET, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND:  A man wearing a breathing filter waits to see a doctor in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. He said he was wearing the mask and waiting to see the doctor because he was having a hard time breathing because of the smoke in the air.  The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning031.jpg
  • 08 CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND:    A woman wears a breathing mask while she drives her motorcycle through Chiang Mai, Thailand. Many people in Chiang Mai and nothern Thailand wearing masks because of the air pollution caused by smoke from fires in the area. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning028.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: A Buddhist novice wearing a mask to block out smoke and pollutants works with his fellow novices at Wat Jetlin in Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning027.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: A Buddhist novice wearing a mask to block out smoke and pollutants works with his fellow novices at Wat Jetlin in Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning025.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Flames candle and crown in a tree at the site of an illegal burn on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning023.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Hikers cover their faces because of the smoke as they walk past an illegal burn on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning021.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: A Thai fire commander coordinates efforts to control an illegal burn that got out of control on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning019.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: A Thai fire commander coordinates efforts to control an illegal burn that got out of control on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning018.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning015.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning014.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning013.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning012.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: A Thai fire commander coordinates efforts to control an illegal burn that got out of control on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning011.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning010.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning007.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning006.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: The view from the scenic overlook at Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain) in Chiang Mai is obscured by smoke from illegal burning going on around the city. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning005.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: The view from the scenic overlook at Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain) in Chiang Mai is obscured by smoke from illegal burning going on around the city. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning004.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Men wear face masks to cut the amount of smoke and pollutants they breathe in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning001.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  An assistant village headman from Khuntan, Lamphun province, throws water on a grassfire burning on a roadside in the community. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning045.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2013 - KHUNTAN, LAMPHUN, THAILAND:  A woman rides her motorcycle past a grassfire buring out weeds in Khuntan, Lamphun province, Thailand.  The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning043.jpg
  • 09 APRIL, 2013 - DO SAKET, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND:  A man wearing a breathing filter waits to see a doctor in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. He said he was wearing the mask and waiting to see the doctor because he was having a hard time breathing because of the smoke in the air.  The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning030.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning017.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: Thai firefighters work to control an illegal burn that got out of control on a hillside on the edge of Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning008.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: The view from the scenic overlook at Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain) in Chiang Mai is obscured by smoke from illegal burning going on around the city. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning002.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: A Buddhist novice wearing a mask to block out smoke and pollutants works with his fellow novices at Wat Jetlin in Chiang Mai. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning024.jpg
  • 06 APRIL 2013 - CHIANG MAI, CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: The view from the scenic overlook at Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Temple of the Golden Mountain) in Chiang Mai is obscured by smoke from illegal burning going on around the city. The "burning season," which roughly goes from late February to late April, is when farmers in northern Thailand burn the dead grass and last year's stubble out of their fields. The burning creates clouds of smoke that causes breathing problems, reduces visibility and contributes to global warming. The Thai government has banned the burning and is making an effort to control it, but the farmers think it replenishes their soil (they use the ash as fertilizer) and it's cheaper than ploughing the weeds under.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangMaiBurning003.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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