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In the past, rural women were perceived merely as house-wives. Recently, however, women's increasing role in agriculture production has indicated that they have great potential to be agents for change if they are given proper training. Out of the 12.7 million women in the work force in Thailand, 67 per cent are engaged in agricultural production. Currently, there are about 20 million farm workers in Thailand of whom 47 per cent are women. These women are involved in all steps of agriculture from planting to harvesting. There are three main groups of women farm workers: unpaid family workers (80 per cent), employers (daughters of land-owning families who have inherited land), and employees of the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Extension, or of private employers.
Women's working hours in the field are longer than men's; most work over 50 hours per week. In spite of this, women are also responsible for household chores as well as looking after children and other family members. Their spare time is occupied by other income generating activities such as cotton or silk weaving, mat weaving, and other handicrafts.
Farm women have some influence in the decision-making process in agriculture. Husbands usually consult their wives about the type of crops they should grow. Thai women are also the "family bankers," in charge of the family income and making decisions on domestic matters, such as food, clothing, etc. Men usually look after buying farm equipment.
Currently, however, many men have moved out...