As petrol prices continue to climb, some communities in Thailand are reverting to traditional, animal-driven methods such as horse carriages and buffalo-powered farming as a cost-saving alternative.
In Lampang province, police have revived horse carriage patrols not only to reduce energy consumption but also to preserve cultural heritage, according to local reports.
Officers have undergone training with the local horse carriage association to ensure proper handling of the animals, with images showing uniformed personnel patrolling the city centre using the traditional transport method.
The initiative is also expected to play a role in maintaining public safety during Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, while offering a cultural attraction for residents and tourists who wish to experience carriage rides.
Meanwhile in eastern Thailand, farmers in Chachoengsao province are also turning back to traditional techniques, using buffaloes to plough fields instead of fuel-powered machinery.
One farmer has even begun renting out buffaloes to others in need of assistance, charging between 5,000 baht (RM660) and 6,000 baht (RM790) per month, depending on land size, according to local reports.
The trend highlights how rising fuel costs are pushing some communities to revive older, more sustainable agricultural and transport practices.
