Thung Kula Ronghai

Thung Kula Ronghai (Thai: ทุ่งกุลาร้องไห้, IPA: [tʰûŋ kulaː rɔ́ːŋ hâːj]) is a natural region in northeastern Thailand. Its area is around 2.1 million rai (or 3,200 km²). It lies in the provinces of Surin, Maha Sarakham, Yasothon, Sisaket, and Roi Et.^[1]

History and legend

Its name translates to 'fields of the crying Kula'. Legend has it that the Kula, from Mottama, Myanmar, traveled through this plateau. The Kula were known for their endurance and toughness. They spent several days traveling the region without passing any villages or finding water. The surroundings had no trees to provide shade. It was only arid land. Trekking through this area was very difficult. The dry land and scarceness of water supply exhausted the Kula and made them weep.

Historically, Thung Kula Ronghai had suffered desert-like conditions during dry season and flooding during rainy season. Soils were plagued by salinity. The area has since been reclaimed and today the region has become a well-known Hom Mali rice producing area of Thailand.^[2]

References

^ "Thung Kula Rong Hai". Tourism Authority of Thailand. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
^ Somnuk, Weerawat; Buddhajak, Smanachan; Sunsuk, Donlawat; Saefad, Somchai (28 February 2021). "The Struggle of Thung Kula Rice Farmers to Grow Hom Mali Rice". Prachatai English. Retrieved 30 March 2021.

[1] "Thung Kula Rong Hai". Tourism Authority of Thailand. Retrieved 30 March 2021.

[2] Somnuk, Weerawat; Buddhajak, Smanachan; Sunsuk, Donlawat; Saefad, Somchai (28 February 2021). "The Struggle of Thung Kula Rice Farmers to Grow Hom Mali Rice". Prachatai English. Retrieved 30 March 2021.

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