Rainy season sparks scarab beetle hunt in northeast Thailand

CHAIYAPHUM — 21 May 2026, villagers in northeastern Thailand have begun digging for "mang jeenoon", a seasonal scarab beetle delicacy popular in Isaan cuisine, as the arrival of the rainy season creates opportunities for extra income.

Residents in several communities in Chaiyaphum province said the insects emerge only once a year during the early rainy season, allowing villagers to collect and sell them for up to 1,000-1,500 baht a day.

In Na Yang Klak subdistrict of Thep Sathit district, villagers gathered with hoes, digging sticks and plastic bottles before heading into nearby community forests to search for the beetles, which burrow underground beneath shrubs and small trees to lay eggs.

The insects are commonly found in burrows about 20 centimetres below the soil surface, particularly near loose soil or small openings around tree roots, locals said.

Villagers said each burrow can contain between six and 10 beetles, which are carefully dug out using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

The beetles are sold for about 1 baht each, while larger ones can fetch up to 2 baht.

Locals describe mang jeenoon as a high-protein seasonal delicacy that can only be found during the rainy season.

Before cooking, the insects are usually soaked in water overnight or cleaned to remove waste before being fried, roasted or added to spicy local dishes.

Popular recipes include chilli dips, bamboo shoot curry, herbal soups and fried beetles mixed with eggs, often served with steamed rice.

Villagers said the annual beetle hunt reflects a long-standing local tradition and provides valuable supplementary income during the rainy season.