Thai paddy field transformed into dragon and cat artwork

A Chiang Rai farmer creates a stunning rice field artwork symbolizing hope and resilience after devastating floods.

Farm owner Tanyapong Jaikham creates rice field art in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, on January 16, 2025. Photo by Karanwinat Wongchaimul/AFP/Getty Images

By Novanka Laras and Hayu Andini

A two-acre paddy field in northern Thailand has been transformed into a stunning piece of art, featuring a dragon and a cat. The intricate design represents hope and resilience for the community of Chiang Rai, which is still recovering from devastating floods during last year’s monsoon season.

The project is the brainchild of Tanyapong Jaikham, a local automobile engineer turned artist, who collaborated with 20 friends and family members to bring his vision to life. Using rice plants as the medium, the artwork combines traditional farming techniques with modern technology, including artificial intelligence and satellite imagery, to create a masterpiece.

The dragon and cat imagery holds deep symbolic meaning for Chiang Rai residents. The dragon, last year’s zodiac animal, is depicted protectively holding the cat, a representation of the local community that endured the hardships of the floods.

“The cat represents the people of my hometown who suffered greatly during the floods, while the dragon stands for strength and protection,” Tanyapong explained.

Creating the artwork required meticulous planning and execution over a span of one month. The project, which cost approximately 500,000 baht ($14,500), showcases the fusion of traditional agriculture with cutting-edge technology.

“The art required great attention to detail, so we had to be very careful,” Tanyapong told AFP. “But with the help of today’s technology, it became easier to achieve this level of precision.”

By using AI technology and satellite imagery, Tanyapong and his team were able to map out the design on the field and guide the planting process. The result is an intricate, large-scale artwork that is visible both on the ground and from above. 

The artwork was opened to the public in late December, but Tanyapong has been cautious about attracting large crowds. “We are not ready for many visitors just yet,” he said, emphasizing that the site is still a working paddy field.

Despite the limited access, the rice field artwork has drawn admiration from locals and visitors alike. Its symbolic message of hope and resilience has resonated deeply with the community, offering a sense of unity and strength as they continue to rebuild.

This aerial photo, taken on January 16, 2025, shows a cat and dragon artwork by farmer and artist Tanyapong Jaikham in the rice fields of Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. Photo by Karanwinat Wongchaimul/AFP/Getty Images

Tanyapong’s project highlights the potential of combining traditional farming practices with modern technology to create something meaningful and unique. While the artwork is deeply rooted in local culture, its creation demonstrates the innovative ways in which agriculture and art can intersect.

The use of rice plants as a medium also underscores the importance of farming in Chiang Rai, where agriculture is a cornerstone of the local economy. The project not only pays homage to this tradition but also elevates it, turning the rice field into a canvas for creative expression.

As the Chiang Rai community continues to recover from the floods, the dragon and cat artwork serves as a reminder of their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. Tanyapong hopes that the project will inspire others to explore creative ways of addressing challenges and celebrating local culture.

This unique blend of art, technology, and agriculture has put Chiang Rai on the map, attracting attention from both national and international audiences. With its powerful message and innovative execution, the paddy field artwork is more than just a visual spectacle—it is a symbol of hope for the future.

The dragon and cat artwork stands as a testament to the strength and creativity of the people of Chiang Rai, reminding the world of the enduring spirit of this northern Thai community.

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