1.
LS WOMEN WORKING - RIVER KWAI IN BACKGROUND
4 1/2 ft

2.
MS WOMEN CLEANING BAMBOO; BRIDGE IN BACKGROUND
8 ft

3.
MLS - DO. -
10 1/2 ft

4.
MCU - DO. - (2 SHOTS)
14 1/2 ft

5.
MLS WASHING BAMBOO IN RIVER
17 ft

6.
MCU CARRYING WASHED BAMBOO
21 1/2 ft

7.
MLS DRYING BAMBOO
23 ft

8.
LS BAKING BAMBOO
26 ft

9.
MS - DO. -
29 ft

10.
MS WOMAN CHECKING
31 ft

11.
MLS - DO. -
32 1/2 ft

12.
MLS WOMAN STRAIGHTENING BAMBOO
35 ft

13.
CU - DO. -
38 1/2 ft

14.
MCU MEN CUTTING BAMBOO
43 ft

15.
LS BAMBOO BUNDLES
45 ft

16.
CU CARRYING BAMBOO
47 ft

17.
LS RIVER SITE
49 ft



Initials VTS/S/MK/CLA/AMR



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: THE AREA NEAR THE BRIDGE ACROSS RIVER KWAI BUILT BY THE JAPANESE DURING THE WAR IS NOW A THRIVING CENTRE FOR BAMBOO PROCESSING INDUSTRY AND A PAPER MILL.

THE KANCHABURI PROVINCE OF THAILAND IS RICH IN BAMBOO WHICH COMMANDS READY OVERSEAS MARKET FOR USE IN MAKING FISHING ROD, SIKI POLES, AND GENERAL USE IN AGRICULTURE AND FURNITURE.

THE BAMBOO CROP THAT IS NOT TAKEN UP BY THE PAPER MILL, IS WASHED, SCRAPPED, STRAIGHTENED WITH FIRE AND CUT TO SIZE BY TEAMS OF MEN AND WOMEN WORKING ON RIVER BANKS. PRODUCTION FROM THESE PEOPLE IS ESTIMATED AT 60,000 STICKS A DAY.

THAILAND WHICH HAS RELIED TRADITIONALLY ON EXPORT OF RICE IS NOW THE PROCESS OF BUILDING UP ITS INDUSTRIES AND DIVERSIFYING ITS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.