Grilled rats have become a local hit in Phitsanulok province and a couple has reportedly earned over a million baht a year selling them.
Somboon Yooyen, 50, and her boyfriend Somsak Tiwong run a grilled rodent stall on Sukhothai-Phitsanulok road near tambon Phai Kho Don.
"I am proud of selling grilled rats and I earn roughly 2,000 to 3,000 baht each day, sometimes 10,000 baht a day during festivals. This occupation provides me with enough cash to buy a truck and a house in only a couple of years,” said Ms Somboon.
The street vendor said she has been selling grilled rats for about six years. She said small rats go for 200 baht per kilogramme, medium size rats for 220 baht/kg, large ones for 250 baht/kg and raw ones for 180 baht/kg.
Most of the customers are locals who purchase about 3-5kg each time while tourists usually buy around 0.5kg as gifts.
Rat meat is becoming more popular in northern and central provinces. The meat can be roasted, stewed and fried, Ms Somboon added.
Photos by Chinnawat Singha