ThaiRubberCrisis

02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A tapped rubber tree on a plantation in Rayong, Thailand. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ

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Filename: ThaiRubberCrisis007.jpg
Copyright: © 2014 Jack Kurtz
Image Size: 3840x5760 / 14.7MB; 090214 Agriculture Economy Farm Rubber ThaiRubberCrisis ZUMA
Contained in galleries: Thai Rubber Farmers in Crisis, Thailand (All)

02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A tapped rubber tree on a plantation in Rayong, Thailand. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ