ENTOMOPHAGY IN THAILAND
Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, has been practiced by the people of Thailand for centuries and its usage continues to increase.
ORIGINS
Traditionally, the consumption of insects has been centered in the rural areas of the north and northeastern regions of Thailand. The inhabitants of these regions collect edible insects from rice paddy fields, forested areas, and natural ponds and streams. The reasons for the consumption of these insects have been attributed, by the inhabitants of these regions, to a myriad of reasons. These include: taste, quick snack, use as ingredient or seasoning in cooked meals, traditional medicine,  staple of regional culture, ready availability, and accessibility for mass production and sale.
DIFFUSION
During the past few decades, the consumption of edible insects has increased substantially within the more urbanized regions of central and southern Thailand. This increase has been attributed to intensified urban migration of rural north/northeastern peoples, and their subsequent diffusion of traditional entomophagical practices. These diffusions have resulted in a marked increase in overall consumption of edible insects within Thailand.
THE ECONOMY OF ENTOMOPHAGY
Due to the increased popularity of Entomophagy, the collection, growth, and subsequent sale of edible insects has emerged as a viable source of income for the inhabitants of Thailand. This has been especially significant for the agricultural poor of Thailand who have, in many cases, substantially improved their economic conditions via this emerging enterprise.
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Average monthly household income of Thai farmers: 639 baht
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Market Price of Bamboo Caterpillars (a common and easily harvested/grown insect): 200-250 baht per kilogram
