Ayutthaya’s Food Story: More Than Just Rice

The original article is in English

When you think of Ayutthaya, the stunning historical ruins likely come to mind. But there’s another story unfolding in this region – one of food, farming, and dramatic change. For centuries, the area west of the Chao Phraya River has been a crucial food source for Thailand. However, this food system is facing unprecedented challenges. To truly understand what’s happening, we need to look beyond just food production. “Food studies” encourages us to consider the big picture – how history, society, economics, and the environment all play a role.

Today, climate change is adding another layer of complexity. We’re seeing more floods, which devastate crops and disrupt lives. In response, authorities have implemented flood management plans, sometimes turning agricultural areas into water retention zones. While these plans protect cities, they can create hardship for farming communities. Adding to the pressure, Ayutthaya is also developing as a hub for industry and tourism. This can mean less land for farming and a shift away from traditional agriculture.

Ayutthaya’s food story is a microcosm of the challenges facing food systems worldwide. It reminds us that ensuring food security and sustainability requires looking at the past, understanding the present, and planning for a future where people and nature can thrive together.

Our field-monitoring lab BTLLAgroforestry farm is on the south-west of Ayutthaya and FoodInnovate is doing as much as we can.

Bibliography

Hongsprabhas, P. 2025. Fostering sustainable urban-rural linkages: A framework for climate-adaptive agroecology in the lower Chao Phraya River Basin, Thailand. Proceeding: International Conference on Micro-credentials and Research for Food Security and Climate Change (ICMCRFSCC), 10-12 February 2025, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand