Dry season turns profitable as red ant eggs sell at 500 baht a kilo

2026-03-20 - 03:40

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Villagers in Ban Don Tat Ruea, Non Daeng district, are turning to harvesting red ant eggs as a source of food and income during the dry season, when farming activities have slowed. Residents in Non Daeng subdistrict said they have been collecting the eggs from nests built by red ants on roadside trees, particularly along the route linking Ban Don Tat Ruea and Ban Don Udom in Don Yai subdistrict. The seasonal activity has drawn many villagers seeking both household consumption and supplementary earnings. Priyaporn Khaengkhan, 33, said she spends a few hours each day gathering red ant eggs while taking a break from agricultural work. “I collect enough for my family and to share with neighbours,” she said. She added that an average harvest yields around 1–2 kilogrammes per day. With market prices reaching about 500 baht per kilogramme, some villagers are focusing more seriously on collecting the eggs for sale. Despite the high price, demand remains strong, with many customers placing advance orders. Locals said those who collect the eggs for sale can earn between 1,000 and 1,500 baht per day, making it a lucrative seasonal activity.