23 NOVEMBER 2016 - AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND: A worker operates a rice harvester during the rice harvest in Ayutthaya province, north of Bangkok. Rice prices in Thailand hit a 13-month low early this month. The low prices are hurting farmers. Rice exports account for around 10 percent of Thailand's gross domestic product, and low prices frequently lead to discontent in the rural areas of Thailand. The military government has responded by sending soldiers to rice mills, to "encourage" mill owners to pay farmers higher prices. The Thai army and navy are also buying for their kitchens directly from farmers in an effort to get more money into farmers' hands. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ