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  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry before they are put into a smoker at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ4 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts smoked rubber sheets during the quality control process on a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues111.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry before they are put into a smoker at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ4 as about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues109.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts smoked rubber sheets during the quality control process on a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues104.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts smoked rubber sheets during the quality control process on a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues102.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry before they are put into a smoker at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues099.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry before they are put into a smoker at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues096.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker pushes a cart of dried rubber to a packing station at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues071.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts dried rubber sheets at a quality control station at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues067.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues027.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues026.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues025.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues024.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, walks between rubber trees while tapping them. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues022.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, walks between rubber trees while tapping them. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues020.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues018.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues014.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues013.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues012.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues011.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues009.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues008.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND: SUNG, a laborer on a rubber plantation in Chonburi province of Thailand, waits to sell rubber from his farm at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand. Sung said that his income has been cut by more than half because of the crisis in the rubber industry and that he hasn't been able to find a supplemental job. He said he buys less food for his family. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis016.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND: SUNG, a laborer on a rubber plantation in Chonburi province of Thailand, waits to sell rubber from his farm at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand. Sung said that his income has been cut by more than half because of the crisis in the rubber industry and that he hasn't been able to find a supplemental job. He said he buys less food for his family. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis015.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND:  SUNG (left) and AUENG, laborers on a rubber plantation in Chonburi province of Thailand, wait to sell rubber from their farm at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand. Sung said that his income has been cut by more than half because of the crisis in the rubber industry and that he hasn't been able to find a supplemental job. He said he buys less food for his family. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis010.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND:  Workers do quality control inspections on rubber parts made at a factory in Rayong province, Thailand. The factory started making finished products to try to get a better price for rubber. The workers used to work on area rubber farms but have had to look for new work because of the crisis in the Thai rubber industry. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis009.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry before they are put into a smoker at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ4 as about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues110.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: Smoked rubber sheets in a warehouse on a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues107.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts smoked rubber sheets during the quality control process on a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues103.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry before they are put into a smoker at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues100.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker fills tanks with liquid latex to make rubber sheets on large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. The latex will be made into smoked rubber sheets. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues089.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker fills tanks with liquid latex to make rubber sheets on large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. The latex will be made into smoked rubber sheets. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues088.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: Workers record a shipment of liquid latex and perform quality control inspections on it in the intake area of a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues083.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: Workers pour barrels of liquid latex into the intake at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. The latex will be made into smoked rubber sheets. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues081.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker draws a sample of liquid latex for quality control inspections at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues079.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: Workers make rubber sheets at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues075.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker pushes a cart of dried rubber to a packing station at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues074.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts dried rubber sheets at a quality control station at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues069.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts dried rubber sheets at a quality control station at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues068.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry them after they were washed at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues065.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker rinses off rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues063.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker rinses off rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues061.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: TA worker stacks rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues056.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker weighs rubber sheets bought from farmers at a business that buys rubber and resells it to processing plants in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues055.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A farmer unloads rubber sheets from his truck at a rubber buying station in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues054.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A farmer unloads rubber sheets from his truck at a rubber buying station in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues053.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker stacks rubber sheets at a business that buys rubber from farmers in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues049.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A farmer unloads rubber sheets from his truck at a rubber buying station in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues042.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: An equipment operator unloads raw latex from a farmer's pickup truck at a rubber buying station in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues038.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues023.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues019.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues017.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues015.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues010.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues007.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues006.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues005.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues004.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues003.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues001.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND: A worker at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand, washes rubber sheets purchased from area rubber farmers. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis019.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A forklift is used to move sorted and inspected smoked rubber sheets into a warehouse on a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues108.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts smoked rubber sheets during the quality control process on a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues106.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts smoked rubber sheets during the quality control process on a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues105.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry before they are put into a smoker at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues097.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker hangs rubber sheets to dry before they are put into a smoker at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues095.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker performs quality control inspections on samples of liquid latex on  a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues092.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker performs quality control inspections on samples of liquid latex on  a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues091.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: Samples of liquid latex wait to go through quality control on large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. The latex will be made into smoked rubber sheets. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues090.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND:  Workers pour barrels of liquid latex into the intake at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. The latex will be made into smoked rubber sheets. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues086.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND:  Workers pour barrels of liquid latex into the intake at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. The latex will be made into smoked rubber sheets. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues085.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker draws a sample of liquid latex for quality control inspections at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues084.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: Workers pour barrels of liquid latex into the intake at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. The latex will be made into smoked rubber sheets. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues082.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker draws a sample of liquid latex for quality control inspections at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues078.jpg
  • 16 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: Workers make rubber sheets at a large rubber plantation near Chum Saeng, Thailand. They are dropping metal dividers into a tank of liquid latex. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues076.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker stacks dried rubber into bales at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues072.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts dried rubber sheets at a quality control station at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues070.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker sorts dried rubber sheets at a quality control station at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues066.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker rinses off rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues064.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker rinses off rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues062.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker rinses off rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues060.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: TA worker stacks rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues059.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: TA worker stacks rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues058.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - KLAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: TA worker stacks rubber sheets at Supark, a rubber processing plant in Klaeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues057.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker stacks rubber sheets at a business that buys rubber from farmers in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues052.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker wipes his brow while stacking rubber sheets at a business that buys rubber from farmers in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues047.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker stacks rubber sheets at a business that buys rubber from farmers in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues046.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker stacks rubber sheets at a business that buys rubber from farmers in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues045.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A farmer unloads rubber sheets from his truck at a rubber buying station in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues043.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A worker takes bids during a telephone auction for raw rubber at the Central Rubber Market in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues041.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A farmer throws raw latex out of the back of his pickup truck at a rubber buying station in Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues036.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: Raw latex at a business that buys farmers' rubber near Chum Saeng, Thailand. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues028.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, walks between rubber trees while tapping them. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues021.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: A laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues016.jpg
  • 15 DECEMBER 2014 - CHUM SAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND: WIN, a laborer on a large rubber plantation in eastern Thailand, taps a rubber tree. Rubber trees are tapped at night and the latex collected from the base of each tree in the morning. Thailand is the second leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 45 Baht per kilo (about $1.20 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). Prices have plunged 5 percent since September, when rubber was about 52Baht per kilo. Some rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump. The Thai government recently announced a "Rubber Fund" to assist small farm owners but said prices won't rebound until production is cut and world demand for rubber picks up.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    RubberCrisisContinues002.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND: Workers at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand, unload rubber sheets from a farmer's pickup truck. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis040.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND:  A worker at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand, washes rubber sheets purchased from area rubber farmers. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis024.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND:  A worker at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand, washes rubber sheets purchased from area rubber farmers. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis023.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND: A worker at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand, wipes his brow while he stacks rubber sheets purchased from area farmers before the sheets were washed. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis021.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND: A worker at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand, washes rubber sheets purchased from area rubber farmers. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis017.jpg
  • 02 SEPTEMBER 2014 - BO THONG, CHONBURI, THAILAND:  A worker at Bothong Rubber Fund Cooperative in Bo Thong, Chonburi, Thailand, unloads rubber sheets from a farmer's pickup truck. Thailand is the leading rubber exporter in the world. In the last two years, the price paid to rubber farmers has plunged from approximately 190 Baht per kilo (about $6.10 US) to 52 Baht per kilo (about $1.60 US). It costs about 65 Baht per kilo to produce rubber ($2.05 US). A rubber farmer in southern Thailand committed suicide over the weekend, allegedly because the low prices meant he couldn't provide for his family. Other rubber farmers have taken jobs in the construction trade or in Bangkok to provide for their families during the slump.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiRubberCrisis012.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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