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  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A firefighter tries to attack a wildfire that was started by a farmer clearing his land in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Farmers in Thailand and neighboring Laos and Myanmar still practice "slash and burn" agriculture, burning out their fields in February, March and April before the start of the rainy season. The Thai government is trying to put a stop to the practice in Thailand but farmers continue to burn. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought092.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A woman and her son, passengers on a Chinese cargo boat bound for Kunming in China cut up fruit for their lunch. 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
    ChineseInChiangRai012.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  The captain on a Chinese cargo guides the boat up the Mekong River. The boat was carrying a cargo of cars, Red Bull energy drink and passengers and was 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
    ChineseInChiangRai009.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  The captain (right) and first mate on a Chinese cargo steer the boat up the Mekong River. The boat was carrying a cargo of cars, Red Bull energy drink and passengers and was 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
    ChineseInChiangRai006.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Passengers on a Chinese cargo boat, carrying cars, Red Bull energy drink and passengers to Kunming in China play mahjong. 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
    ChineseInChiangRai005.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
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A woman weaves papyrus reed matts by hand at her family home in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought113.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer in Mae Chan, in Chiang Rai province, fertilizes his rice field by hand. Government officials have warned that Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand could face a drought this year 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
    ChiangRaiDrought096.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A firefighter tries to attack a wildfire that was started by a farmer clearing his land in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Farmers in Thailand and neighboring Laos and Myanmar still practice "slash and burn" agriculture, burning out their fields in February, March and April before the start of the rainy season. The Thai government is trying to put a stop to the practice in Thailand but farmers continue to burn. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought091.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  Farmers in Chiang Rai tend their cassava fields. They said cassava doesn't require as much water as rice and is a good dry season crop. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought088.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  Farmers in Chiang Rai tend their cassava fields. They said cassava doesn't require as much water as rice and is a good dry season crop. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought086.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
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought073.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought067.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A Thai farmer watches a fire she set on her land burn out. Many farmers in Thailand and neighboring Laos still practice "slash and burn" agriculture. The Thai government is trying to stop the burning but farmers are reluctant to give up burning. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought065.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
    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
    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
  • 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 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
  • 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
    ChiangRaiDrought029.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: 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
    ChiangRaiDrought018.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: 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: 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
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  The captain on a Chinese cargo guides the boat up the Mekong River. The boat was carrying a cargo of cars, Red Bull energy drink and passengers and was 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
    ChineseInChiangRai008.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A firefighter tries to attack a wildfire that was started by a farmer clearing his land in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Farmers in Thailand and neighboring Laos and Myanmar still practice "slash and burn" agriculture, burning out their fields in February, March and April before the start of the rainy season. The Thai government is trying to put a stop to the practice in Thailand but farmers continue to burn. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought090.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
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought072.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought069.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
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A man looks for snails in a fishing pond near Chiang Saen. The pond was being emptied for the rest of the dry season and hundreds of people were trying to catch fish. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought051.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 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
  • 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: 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
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Passengers on a Chinese cargo boat, carrying taking cars, Red Bull energy drink and passengers Kunming in China play mahjong. 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
    ChineseInChiangRai003.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A worker cuts papyrus reeds before they are woven in matts in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought110.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Papyrus reeds set out to dry before being woven into matts. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought098.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer in Mae Chan, in Chiang Rai province, fertilizes his rice field by hand. Government officials have warned that Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand could face a drought this year 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
    ChiangRaiDrought097.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  Farmers in Chiang Rai tend their cassava fields. They said cassava doesn't require as much water as rice and is a good dry season crop. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought085.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought076.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought074.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought071.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought068.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 SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Women walk through a fishing pond near Chiang Saen. The pond was being emptied for the rest of the dry season and hundreds of people were trying to catch fish. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought049.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
    ChiangRaiDrought035.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: 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: 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
  • 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
    ChiangRaiDrought001.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: Burmese laborers unload Chinese garlic at the port in Chiang Saen, Thailand. 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
    ChineseInChiangRai015.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A woman on a Chinese cargo boat bound for Kunming in China cuts up fruit for her lunch. 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
    ChineseInChiangRai014.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A woman and her son, passengers on a Chinese cargo boat bound for Kunming in China cut up fruit for their lunch. 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
    ChineseInChiangRai013.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A Lao flagged river boat cruises north on the Mekong River. 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
    ChineseInChiangRai011.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A Thai child looks at cheap imported toys from China in a market on the Mekong riverfront promenade in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. 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
    ChineseInChiangRai001.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 - MAE SAI, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A street scene in Mae Sai, Thailand, which borders Myanmar. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MaeSaiThailand001.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A woman weaves papyrus reed matts by hand at her family home in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought115.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A worker cuts papyrus reeds before they are woven in matts in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought112.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A worker spreads out papyrus reeds to dry before they are woven in matts in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought107.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A worker spreads out papyrus reeds to dry before they are woven in matts in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought105.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A worker bundles fresh cut papyrus reeds before they are woven in matts in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought104.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  A worker spreads out papyrus reeds to dry before they are woven in matts in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought102.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: An elderly woman weaves papyrus reed matts by hand at her family home in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought101.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: An elderly woman weaves papyrus reed matts by hand at her family home in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought100.jpg
  • 25 APRIL 2014 -  MAE CHAN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: An elderly woman weaves papyrus reed matts by hand at her family home in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Families in Chiang Rai province still make woven reed matts by hand. The matts are used around the house as an impromptu table, and farmers as something to spread out on the ground during lunch, like a picnic blanket. They cost anywhere from 15Baht (.50¢ US) to 150Baht ($5.00 US) depending on size.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChiangRaiDrought099.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A Buddhist novice watches a wildfire started on a nearby farm burn towards his temple in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Farmers in Thailand and neighboring Laos and Myanmar still practice "slash and burn" agriculture, burning out their fields in February, March and April before the start of the rainy season. The Thai government is trying to put a stop to the practice in Thailand but farmers continue to burn. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought089.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
  • 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 SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought075.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: PASIT, a watermelon farmer in Chiang Saen, Thailand, irrigates his fields. He waters the plants every five days. He said he's been growing watermelon for 10 years and used to grow rice but that the money was better with watermelons. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought070.jpg
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A farmer sets out feed corn in his field near Chiang Saen. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought066.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: 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: 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
  • 23 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND: A man throws a net into a fishing pond near Chiang Saen. The pond was being emptied for the rest of the dry season and hundreds of people were trying to catch fish. 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
    ChiangRaiDrought048.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
    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
  • 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
  • 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
    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: 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: 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 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
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  The captain on a Chinese cargo guides the boat up the Mekong River. The boat was carrying a cargo of cars, Red Bull energy drink and passengers and was 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
    ChineseInChiangRai010.jpg
  • 24 APRIL 2014 - CHIANG SAEN, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND:  The cook on a Chinese cargo boat delivers meals to the crew. The boat was 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
    ChineseInChiangRai007.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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