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  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange058.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange056.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange055.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  Villagers collect shell fish in a channel in the Mekong River in Thailand. One of the women said the river is so low now that she can walk out into the channel and scrape the river bottom with her hands and feet for the mussels she uses in her soups but that in the past they worked from boats. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange053.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  Villagers collect shell fish in a channel in the Mekong River in Thailand. One of the women said the river is so low now that she can walk out into the channel and scrape the river bottom with her hands and feet for the mussels she uses in her soups. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange052.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  Villagers collect shell fish in a channel in the Mekong River in Thailand. One of the women said the river is so low now that she can walk out into the channel and scrape the river bottom with her hands and feet for the mussels she uses in her soups. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange051.jpg
  • 08 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: WON BORIBOON, a Laotian boatman, walks back to his long tail boat on the Thai side of the Mekong River in That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand. He said that in 50 years on the river he's never seen it as low as it is now. He doesn't know why the river is so low but speculates that it could be dams in China. He said the low water and numerous sand bars in the river makes it harder the navigate the crossing, but jokes that he uses much less gasoline for his motor now because the river is half its old width. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange072.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange063.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange062.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange061.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange060.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange059.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange057.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A couple nets fish in a channel in the Mekong River. They said they used to have use a boat for this but now the river is so low they do it on foot. He said he doesn't know why the river is so low, that some people say it's global warming. "But I don't know what that is. I think it's when the factories send too much smoke into the air, but I don't understand it." He went onto to say that they catch much fewer fish now than they did in the past. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange054.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  Villagers collect shell fish in a channel in the Mekong River in Thailand. One of the women said the river is so low now that she can walk out into the channel and scrape the river bottom with her hands and feet for the mussels she uses in her soups. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange050.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - LAO NOI, NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: PRIK, harvests celery and dill from her garden near the Mekong River. She grows vegetables and her husband fishes. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange048.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - LAO NOI, NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: PRIK, harvests celery and dill from her garden near the Mekong River, which is behind her. She said her yield this year will be a fraction of what was last year. She grows vegetables and her husband fishes. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Prik said she doesn't know why the river is so low "Some say China has built dams that stops the water. Others say it is less rain. I don't know, I just know that when it floods it is much worse and much faster now - sometimes the river rises three meters in one day - and when it is dry, it is very, very dry." Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange047.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - LAO NOI, NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: PRIK, harvests celery and dill from her garden near the Mekong River, which is behind her. She said her yield this year will be a fraction of what was last year. She grows vegetables and her husband fishes. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Prik said she doesn't know why the river is so low "Some say China has built dams that stops the water. Others say it is less rain. I don't know, I just know that when it floods it is much worse and much faster now - sometimes the river rises three meters in one day - and when it is dry, it is very, very dry." Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange046.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - LAO NOI, NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: PRIK, harvests celery and dill from her garden near the Mekong River, which is behind her. She said her yield this year will be a fraction of what was last year. She grows vegetables and her husband fishes. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Prik said she doesn't know why the river is so low "Some say China has built dams that stops the water. Others say it is less rain. I don't know, I just know that when it floods it is much worse and much faster now - sometimes the river rises three meters in one day - and when it is dry, it is very, very dry." Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange045.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - LAO NOI, NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: PRIK, harvests celery and dill from her garden near the Mekong River, which is behind her. She said her yield this year will be a fraction of what was last year and that some days her husband comes home with no fish. She grows vegetables and her husband fishes. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Prik said she doesn't know why the river is so low "Some say China has built dams that stops the water. Others say it is less rain. I don't know, I just know that when it floods it is much worse and much faster now - sometimes the river rises three meters in one day - and when it is dry, it is very, very dry." Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange044.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - LAO NOI, NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: PRIK, harvests celery and dill from her garden near the Mekong River, which is behind her. She said her yield this year will be a fraction of what was last year. She grows vegetables and her husband fishes. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Prik said she doesn't know why the river is so low "Some say China has built dams that stops the water. Others say it is less rain. I don't know, I just know that when it floods it is much worse and much faster now - sometimes the river rises three meters in one day - and when it is dry, it is very, very dry." Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange043.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - LAO NOI, NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: PRIK, harvests celery and dill from her garden near the Mekong River, which is behind her. She said her yield this year will be a fraction of what was last year. She grows vegetables and her husband fishes. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Prik said she doesn't know why the river is so low "Some say China has built dams that stops the water. Others say it is less rain. I don't know, I just know that when it floods it is much worse and much faster now - sometimes the river rises three meters in one day - and when it is dry, it is very, very dry." Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange042.jpg
  • 05 ARPIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: A tuk-tuk (three wheeled taxi) takes visitors out of the Mekong River bed in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. Thais have turned their side of the nearly empty river into a beach and playground. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange032.jpg
  • 06 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Salvage divers work the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers032.jpg
  • 06 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Spotters on a salvage diver's boat on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers017.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: A piece of gold weighing 2.98 grams in the scale in the gold shop in Wang Nua. The piece of gold was found in the Mae Wang and is one of the largest pieces of gold found in the river. The gold shop in Wang Nua buys gold from the villagers who mine the river. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold041.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND:  Pieces of gold from the Mae Wang in the gold shop in Wang Nua. The owner of the shop buys the gold dust from the miners who work the river. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold036.jpg
  • 09 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON, PHANOM, THAILAND: A man walks along the riverbank at the confluence of the Mekong River (LEFT) and one of its Thai tributaries, the Songkram River (RIGHT). Normally the water level comes up the bottom left corner of the photo but this year is 30 feet below that level. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange094.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  Thai children play in a channel in the Mekong River. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange049.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  Sun baked land in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. The region is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange039.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  A boat is poled down the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand (Laos is in the background). Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange038.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A small ferry crosses the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry040.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND:  Motorcyclists riding a ferry across the River Kwai leave the ferry it docked on the west side of the river. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry037.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: BOM, the operator of a small ferry on the River Kwai near Kanchanaburi, chats with one of his passengers. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry034.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A passenger on the small ferry that goes across the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry032.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND:  An offering on the bow of a small ferry that takes people acrss the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry030.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A passenger sits with BOM, the operator of a small ferry on the River Kwai near Kanchanaburi. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry029.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A passenger on the small ferry that goes across the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry028.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: BOM, the operator of a small ferry on the River Kwai near Kanchanaburi. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry026.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A woman riding a small ferry across the River Kwai takes off her motorcycle helmet. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry023.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A spotter for saleable objects brought up from the river bottom while the diver he works with is in the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014032.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A spotter sluices things brought up from the river bottom while the diver he works with is in the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014002.jpg
  • 05 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers008.jpg
  • 05 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers007.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    A food vendor in a community on the Chao Phraya River south of Krung Thon Bridge. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment013.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    People in a community on the Chao Phraya River south of Krung Thon Bridge in Bangkok. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment011.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    A woman walks between houses in a community along the Chao Phraya River south of Krung Thon Bridge. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment010.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:    A woman walks between houses in a community along the Chao Phraya River south of Krung Thon Bridge. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment009.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A woman hangs her laundry on a pier on the Chao Phraya River, south of the Krung Thon Bridge.  This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment008.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Housing along the Chao Phraya River south of the Krung Thon Bridge in Bangkok. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment006.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Housing along the Chao Phraya River south of the Krung Thon Bridge in Bangkok. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment005.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Housing along the Chao Phraya River south of the Krung Thon Bridge in Bangkok. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment004.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Housing along the Chao Phraya River south of the Krung Thon Bridge in Bangkok. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment003.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Housing along the Chao Phraya River south of the Krung Thon Bridge in Bangkok. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment002.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Housing along the Chao Phraya River south of the Krung Thon Bridge in Bangkok. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ChaoPhrayaRedevelopment001.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: Mr. WATTASIN, owner of the gold shop in Wang Nua, holds piece of gold mined from the Mae Wang. He buys gold from the villagers who mine the riverbed for gold. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold038.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: Gold dust from the Mae Wang in the gold shop in Wang Nua. The owner of the shop buys the gold dust from the miners who work the river. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold035.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: A boy in an inflatable toy floats down the Mae Wang while his parents and other villagers pan for gold. The rock lines form the outline of their claims.  Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold034.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: An artisanal gold miner digs a new mine on the banks of Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold033.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: Artisanal gold miners dig a new mine on the banks of Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold031.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: Flecks of gold dust in a miner's jar in Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold028.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: TAO, 48 years old, gathers gravel from the bottom of the Mae Wang to look for gold. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold027.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: A woman pans for gold in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold025.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: A boy pans for gold in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold021.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: BAENG, 60 years old, pans for gold in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold020.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: A boy watches BAENG, 60 years old, pan for gold in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold013.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: BAENG, 60 years old, pans for gold in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold011.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: BAENG, 60 years old, throws a boulder out of her "gold mine" in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold008.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: BAENG, 60 years old, gathers gravel to pan for gold in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold007.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: BAENG, 60 years old, pans for gold in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold005.jpg
  • 22 APRIL 2014 - WANG NUA, LAMPANG, THAILAND: BAENG, 60 years old, gathers gravel to pan for gold in the Mae Wang. Villagers in the Wang Nua district of Lampang province found gold in the Mae Wang (Wang River) in 2011 after excavation crews dug out sand for a construction project. A subsequent Thai government survey of the river showed "a fair amount of gold ore," but not enough gold to justify commercial mining. Now every year when the river level drops farmers from the district come to the river to pan for gold. Some have been able to add to their family income by 2,000 to 3,000 Baht (about $65 to $100 US) every month. The gold miners work the river bed starting in mid-February and finish up  by mid-May depending on the weather. They stop panning when the river level rises from the rains. This year the Thai government is predicting a serious drought which may allow miners to work longer into the summer.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WangNuaGold002.jpg
  • 17 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  A Yangon River water taxi takes people across the Yangon River. The ferry to Dala opposite Yangon on the Yangon River is the main form of transportation across the river. Every day the ferry moves tens of thousands of people across the river. Many working class Burmese live in Dala and work in Yangon. The ferry is also popular with tourists who want to experience the "real" Myanmar. The rides takes about 15 minutes. Burmese pay about the equivalent of .06¢ US for a ticket.  Foreigners pay about the equivalent of about $4.50 US for the same ticket.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    YangonFerry011.jpg
  • 08 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: KUMHOON, a rice farmer in Nakhon Phanom province of Thailand, collects rice straw from his paddies. He will use the straw to feed livestock and as a bed for mushrooms he plans to plant. He said he doesn't know why the Mekong River is so low and why the region is gripped by drought. He said he heard on TV and in newspapers that "global warming" may be to blame, but that doesn't understand what global warming is. According to people who live here, the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange078.jpg
  • 08 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: KUMHOON, a rice farmer in Nakhon Phanom province of Thailand, collects rice straw from his paddies. He will use the straw to feed livestock and as a bed for mushrooms he plans to plant. He said he doesn't know why the Mekong River is so low and why the region is gripped by drought. He said he heard on TV and in newspapers that "global warming" may be to blame, but that he doesn't understand what global warming is. He said he tried to grow potatoes because they use less water but he couldn't sell them in the local markets. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange077.jpg
  • 08 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: Thai Border Police search Laotian citizens entering Thailand after crossing the Mekong River to shop in the market in That Phanom. One police officer that it was easier for criminals, mostly drug runners and immigrant smugglers, to sneak into Thailand because they could just walk across the river. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange074.jpg
  • 08 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: Passengers from Laos disembark a passenger ferry from Laos on the Thai side of the Mekong River near That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange070.jpg
  • 08 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: A passenger ferry from Laos approaches the Thai side of the Mekong River near That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand. The region is in the midst of a record setting drought and the Mekong River is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years, setting up an environmental disaster the region has never seen before. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is so shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. In addition to low river levels the Isan region of Thailand is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange068.jpg
  • 07 APRIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND:  Sun baked land in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Normally the river flows completely through the river bed but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. Many of the people who live along the river farm and fish. They claim their crops yields are greatly reduced and that many days they return from fishing with empty nets. The river is shallow now that fisherman who used to go out in boats now work from the banks and sandbars on foot or wade into the river. The region is also in the midst of a record drought and heat wave. Farmers have been encouraged to switch from rice to less water intensive crops and to expect lower yields. Farmers here rely more on rain fall than irrigation to water their crops.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange041.jpg
  • 05 ARPIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: People leave the "beach" on the Thai side of the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom, on the Thai-Lao border, Apr. 5. Normally the river flows from just below the motorcycle in the bottom left of the photo but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed. Thais have turned their side of the nearly empty river into a beach and playground. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years. No one has determined the exact reason the river is so low. Some blame global warming, others the construction of dams in China.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange034.jpg
  • 05 ARPIL 2010 - NAKHON PHANOM, THAILAND: Sisters play in the empty Mekong River near Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Normally the river flows through the entire river bed, but it's currently running through a channel in the bottom of the river bed, not visible in the background of the photo. Thais have turned their side of the nearly empty river into a beach and playground. According to people who live here, the river is at its lowest point in nearly 50 years.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ClimateChange033.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A small ferry crosses the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry042.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A small ferry crosses the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry041.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A small ferry crosses the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry039.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND:  An offering on the bow of a small ferry that takes people acrss the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry038.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: BOM, the operator of a small ferry on the River Kwai near Kanchanaburi, chats with one of his passengers. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry035.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A passenger on the small ferry that goes across the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry033.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND:  An offering on the bow of a small ferry that takes people acrss the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry031.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A passenger on the small ferry that goes across the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry027.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A passenger on the small ferry that goes across the River Kwai. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry025.jpg
  • 09 JANUARY 2019 - KANCHANABURI, THAILAND: A woman riding a small ferry across the River Kwai takes off her motorcycle helmet. The ferry goes across the River Kwai downriver from downtown Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai." Small ferries like this, once common on Thai river crossings, are disappearing because Thailand has dramatically improved its infrastructure since this ferry started operating about 50 years ago. The ferry operator said his grandfather started the ferry, with a small raft he would pole across the river, in the late 1960s. Now his family has a metal boat with an inboard engine. There are large vehicle bridges across the river about 5 miles north and south of this ferry crossing, but for people in rural communities on the west side of the river the ferry is still the most convenient way to cross the river.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KwaiBridgeFerry024.jpg
  • 20 JUNE 2017 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman walks to the river to bathe in a community along the Chao Phraya River south of Krung Thon Bridge. This is one of the first parts of the riverbank that is scheduled to be redeveloped. The communities along the river don't know what's going to happen when the redevelopment starts. The Chao Phraya promenade is development project of parks, walkways and recreational areas on the Chao Phraya River between Pin Klao and Phra Nang Klao Bridges. The 14 kilometer long promenade will cost approximately 14 billion Baht (407 million US Dollars). The project involves the forced eviction of more than 200 communities of people who live along the river, a dozen riverfront  temples, several schools, and privately-owned piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Construction is scheduled on the project is scheduled to start in early 2016. There has been very little public input on the planned redevelopment. The Thai government is also cracking down on homes built over the river, such homes are said to be in violation of the "Navigation in Thai Waters Act." Owners face fines and the possibility that their homes will be torn down.              PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RiversideCommunity0620003.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A spotter uses a jeweller's loupe to look coins brought up from the bottom of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014049.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A diver climbs back into his dive boat after surfacing in the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014048.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A diver climbs back into his dive boat after surfacing in the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014047.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A spotter helps the diver he works with surface from the bottom of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014046.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A spotter looks at an old coin brought up from the bottom of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014042.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Salvage divers work the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014041.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A spotter bails water out his boat while the diver he works with is on the bottom of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014036.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A spotter bails water out his boat while the diver he works with is on the bottom of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014034.jpg
  • 14 OCTOBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A spotter bails water out his boat while the diver he works with is on the bottom of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Divers work in two man teams on small boats in the Chao Phraya River. One person stays in the boat while the diver scours the river bottom for anything that can be salvaged and resold. The divers usually work close to shore because the center of the river is a busy commercial waterway with passenger boats and commercial freight barges passing up and down the river all day long. The Chao Phraya is a dangerous river to dive in. It's deep, has large tidal fluctuations, is fast flowing and badly polluted. The divers make money only when they sell something.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SalvageDivers1014033.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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