Villagers in Pathum Thani flock to rice fields to dig for crabs after summer storm

Villagers picked up their spades today and took their children out to the rice fields to dig for crabs after a summer storm passed in Pathum Thani province, just northeast of Bangkok. Heavy rainfall brought crabs to the surface of the soil which made for a fun family activity while many children are out of school due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Villagers from the province’s Ban Bunork will save some crabs to eat themselves and sell some for extra income. The crabs also make for a good pork alternative given the recent rise in pork prices. 59 year old Bangjong Thaisui, or “Tui”, took her grandchildren out crab hunting.

“I can sell the crabs from my home, for 70 to 100 baht a kilogram, and earn 200 to 300 baht a day from it. Crabs can be used to make a delicious curry, a delicious som tam or a delicious crab Laab dish.”

At the moment, Tui is not working, so eating and selling the crabs is helping her and her family get by. The pandemic has impacted most industries and many Thai people have looked for alternative ways to create income.

SOURCE: Khaosod