GOVERNOR Preecha Ruangjan took to the paddy fields today as he introduced a new attraction for tourists on Phuket.
Slicing his way to harvest the rice like an expert, the governor set the pace for tourists and other visitors who want to get their hands dirty.
Bare feet will probably get a little mud on them, too.
Today people took part in a fish-catching competition, using their hands.
It may not be easy but at least it will be a chance to try the real Thailand, the one where agriculture is still the most important activity.
The governor caught a fish with his hands and appeared to be enjoying himself as he cut and threshed rice, watched traditional dancing, gleaned information from a variety of stalls, and even conducted a one-way conversation with a sedated dog undergoing desexing.
His wife, as head of the Red Cross on the island, was there, too.
The project, part of a celebration between Mother's Day and Father's Day in honor of HM The King, involved 150 rai at Mai Khao that have been devoted to developing agro-tourism.
The rice, planted on Mother's Day (the Queen's Birthday) was harvested today (the eve of the King's Birthday).
Some 28 government organisations ran booths today as the project was launched by the governor.
The turnoff to the paddy fields is a couple of kilometres past the airport tee-junction. It's a couple of kilometres down the road on the left, near the Mai Khao Health Centre.
Details are available from Tourism and Sports on 076 217054.
Slicing his way to harvest the rice like an expert, the governor set the pace for tourists and other visitors who want to get their hands dirty.
Bare feet will probably get a little mud on them, too.
Today people took part in a fish-catching competition, using their hands.
It may not be easy but at least it will be a chance to try the real Thailand, the one where agriculture is still the most important activity.
The governor caught a fish with his hands and appeared to be enjoying himself as he cut and threshed rice, watched traditional dancing, gleaned information from a variety of stalls, and even conducted a one-way conversation with a sedated dog undergoing desexing.
His wife, as head of the Red Cross on the island, was there, too.
The project, part of a celebration between Mother's Day and Father's Day in honor of HM The King, involved 150 rai at Mai Khao that have been devoted to developing agro-tourism.
The rice, planted on Mother's Day (the Queen's Birthday) was harvested today (the eve of the King's Birthday).
Some 28 government organisations ran booths today as the project was launched by the governor.
The turnoff to the paddy fields is a couple of kilometres past the airport tee-junction. It's a couple of kilometres down the road on the left, near the Mai Khao Health Centre.
Details are available from Tourism and Sports on 076 217054.
