Water Buffalo

Thais have a special fondness for the water buffalo and Thai folklore is filled with stories about these animals. Considering what an important role they played in the agricultural cultivation of Thailand it is not surprising that the Thais have a special nickname for them, jao-tooy, while the literal word for the animal is quai. You see them everywhere along the side of roads, grazing. I have asked, what are they used for and was told they help the farmers. I have never seen one pull a plow! It seems all farmers use motor powered plows these days. They (the water buffalo) never seem very happy to see me and have a menacing stare, as opposed to the friendlier cows. This mom was not too happy with the attention I was paying to her and her baby. Her final solution was very clear!