meet in pest-infested villages

Grilled rats are displayed for sale in Suphan Buri province, 120 km (75 miles) north of Bangkok, November 2, 2007. Once struggling to make ends meet in pest-infested villages, Thai rice farmers are now making money out of the very scourge that has gnawed at their finances -- rats. Thailand is the world's biggest rice exporter and roasted bandicoot rat has become a popular delicacy at roadside stalls despite costing twice as much as pork or chicken. Picture taken November 2, 2007

Villagers boil rats in Suphan Buri province, 120 km (75 miles) north of Bangkok, November 1, 2007. Once struggling to make ends meet in pest-infested villages, Thai rice farmers are now making money out of the very scourge that has gnawed at their finances -- rats. Thailand is the world's biggest rice exporter and roasted bandicoot rat has become a popular delicacy at roadside stalls despite costing twice as much as pork or chicken. Picture taken November 1, 2007.