CHACHOENGSAO, THAILAND – Rising fuel prices pushed farmers in eastern Thailand back to traditional methods, with fields once again being ploughed by water buffalo instead of machines.
Return to Ploughing with Buffalo
Reports from Chachoengsao on 7 April 2026 said that farmers in eastern Thailand increasingly used water buffalo to plough their fields. The shift came as higher fuel prices drove up overall agricultural costs.
Using animals was seen as a cheaper option than motorised equipment when diesel and other inputs became more expensive. Farmers responded to persistent cost pressure in their production by cutting back on machine use.
Buffalo Rentals in Khlong Luang Phaeng
In the subdistrict of Khlong Luang Phaeng in Chachoengsao province, a local resident drew attention by renting out water buffalo to farmers. The offer targeted those who wanted to reduce their spending on fuel.
The rental service indicated that demand for animal-powered fieldwork rose as machine operation became more costly. For many farms, it represented a pragmatic adjustment to current price trends.
Who Is Behind the Service
Wannanee Pluemsomboon (51) said she had kept water buffalo for generations and had recently observed growing demand. Farmers were actively seeking alternatives to fuel-powered equipment.
This model connected with traditional forms of agriculture that had long been common in many regions of Thailand. Today, the practice gained renewed importance mainly for cost reasons.
Costs: Rental and Transport
According to Wannanee, monthly rental prices for the buffalo ranged between 5,000 and 6,000 baht, depending on the size of the area to be worked. This gave farmers a predictable monthly rate instead of fluctuating fuel expenses.
Transport costs were negotiated separately and could vary with distance and effort. For farmers, this was an additional factor when deciding between animal power and machinery.
Which Animals Are Fit for Ploughing
Suitable plough buffalo were generally between three and five years old, according to Wannanee. At this age, the animals could perform fieldwork efficiently.
One of her buffalo, named “Plai Fah”, was almost two metres tall and could work effectively in the fields. Such characteristics were crucial for performance in heavy agricultural labour.
Driver: Persistently High Fuel Prices
The trend was described as part of a broader adaptation to permanently rising fuel prices. This development affected several sectors of the economy, including transport and agriculture.
When fuel became more expensive, not only the direct costs of running machines rose, but also many indirect expenses along supply and transport chains. This increased pressure on farms to adjust their operations.
Preserving Tradition While Cutting Costs
Local farmers said that using water buffalo not only saved fuel but also helped preserve traditional farming practices. In times of rising production costs, this aspect took on renewed significance.
The return to proven methods showed how flexibly farmers reacted to economic change. It also highlighted that tradition could, in some cases, double as a practical cost-cutting strategy.