A paddy field spanning two acres in northern Thailand has been transformed into an intricate artwork featuring a dragon and a cat, serving as symbols of hope and resilience for a community recovering from devastating floods. The creation, located in Chiang Rai, reflects the challenges and spirit of its residents, who faced significant hardships during last year’s monsoon season.
Tanyapong Jaikham, the field’s owner and an automobile engineer by profession, explained that the cat symbolizes the resilience of the local people, while the dragon, the zodiac sign of the previous year, is depicted as protectively cradling the feline. The imagery is meant to inspire a sense of unity and strength as the community rebuilds.
The project was a collaborative effort involving Tanyapong and 20 others, including friends and family. They utilized advanced tools such as AI technology and satellite imagery to design the intricate patterns using rice plants as the artistic medium. The undertaking required detailed planning and precise execution over the course of a month and cost approximately 500,000 baht (about $14,500).
“The artwork demanded great attention to detail, so we had to proceed with caution,” Tanyapong shared. “However, modern technology made the process more manageable.”
The installation was opened to the public in late December, offering visitors a chance to view the impressive display. Despite its appeal, Tanyapong noted that the site is not yet fully equipped to handle a large number of visitors.
