More pets, fewer kids: Thailand's pet economy purrs as birth rates slide
Cats are the top pet choice, with rising interest in rabbits and squirrels.
Baby product sales, like diapers, are down; pet spending is up, valued at 75 billion baht.
Spending is growing outside Bangkok, boosted by tourism.
BANGKOK, May 6 — More and more young Thais are opting for pets over parenthood – and cats have become a clear favourite.
Milin Veraratanaroj, chairman of Tang Ngee Soon Superstore in Udon Thani, has seen it first-hand and said there's been a clear drop in interest in having children since the pandemic began, highlighting a shift in sales of baby products, especially formula and diapers, The Bangkok Post reported today.
'Diaper sales dropped by roughly 20-30 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 year-on-year,' he was quoted as saying.
Young people are increasingly seeing kids as expensive, and instead are choosing dogs, cats, rabbits and even squirrels, he said.
To Milin, Thailand's shrinking birth rate could hurt its economy in the long run.
Thailand's population has been falling steadily since 2020, according to the Bureau of Registration Administration.
Official government data noted the Thai population stood at about 66 million at the end of 2024, with some 462,000 births but more than 571,000 deaths.
In just the first quarter of 2025, fewer than 100,000 babies were born — while over 147,000 people died.
It's a a bleak trend for baby goods, but a boost for the pet economy.
Pets and their owners sit inside a Thai movie theatre at Samut Prakan on June 10, 2023. — AFP pic
Pet boom
Poolperm Thongcharoenpoolporn, chief financial officer of Thonglor Pet Hospital Co Ltd, told The Bangkok Post that the pet sector is booming – and will keep growing.
'Many Thais treat their pets as family members, fuelling a demand for personalised pet products, such as breed-specific food options,' he was quoted as saying.
He expects the pet industry to grow at a single-digit pace this year.
According to ttb analytics, a company linked to Thai financial institution TMBThanachart, country's pet industry was worth 75 billion baht in 2024.
While some may cut back on non-essentials like fancy accessories, overall business sentiment hasn't dragged the market down.
Thonglor Pet Hospital serves mid- to high-income customers, and demand remains steady.
Poolperm also noted pet spending is picking up outside Bangkok, attributing it to burgeoning regional tourism.
'We're seeing more foreign customers, as well as locals involved in tourism-related businesses. The tourism revival appears to be lifting spending in these areas,' he was quoted as saying.
He believes the trend of raising pets instead of children will continue.
Spending habits may vary, but the emotional bond people form with their pets is strong.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, pet demand spiked in Thailand, but adoption rates have since stabilised.
Cats remain the favourite for new pet owners as they are thought to be suited to small spaces like condominiums, according to The Bangkok Post, which also noted emerging concern about pet food supply potentially outpacing demand.
'Unlike dogs, cats don't require outdoor walks or regular exercise,' said Poolperm.
He's also seeing more Thais taking a liking to rabbits and squirrels.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 6, 2025
The Attorney General's Office has emerged as the most trusted law enforcement institution in Indonesia, overtaking both the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the National Police, according to the latest survey by the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI), led by political analyst Denny Januar Ali. 1. INDONESIANS NOW TRUST PROSECUTORS MORE THAN KPK, NEW SURVEY REVEALS -- JAKARTA GLOBE Indonesia is planning to reduce its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from the Middle East and increase procurement from the United States, according to Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Yuliot Tanjung. 2. INDONESIA TO SHIFT LPG IMPORTS FROM MIDDLE EAST TO US -- ANTARA 1. COOPERATIVES TO BE ECONOMIC DRIVERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR During the International Cooperative Day celebration, the government outlined its vision to promote the people-centric enterprises to improve the socio-economic status of the citizens. There are 38,638 cooperative societies to date in Myanmar. 2. COMPULSORY DIGITAL SCALES FOR GOLD TRADERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Federation of Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs Association has instructed all gold shops to switch to digital weighing scales as the government wants to protect consumers. The association also asked gold refineries, merchants and online traders to obtain trading licences. SINGAPORE 1. TTSH TO DEMOLISH CENTURY-OLD PAVILION WARDS, KEEPING ONE AS HERITAGE MARKER -- THE STRAITS TIMES After standing for around a century, all but one of Tan Tock Seng Hospital's (TTSH) nine remaining pavilion wards will be demolished, with the retained ward to serve as a heritage marker. 2. CPF AT 70 – THE EVOLUTION OF A DO-IT-ALL SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME THAT STILL FINDS IT IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE EVERYONE -- CNA Twelve years ago, Mr Francis Tan and his spouse sat across from a Housing and Development Board (HDB) officer, preparing to sign the deed for their first home. THAILAND 1. ARMY SAYS CAMBODIAN TROOPS STAGING BORDER STANDOFFS TO SHOW DOMINANCE ONLINE -- THE NATION 2nd Army reveals Cambodian troops cross into Thai territory to stage provocations, film videos, and conduct IO aimed at portraying dominance over Thai forces. 2. BETTING ON CASINO BILL -- BANGKOK POST The Pheu Thai-led government is again under pressure to put on hold the controversial entertainment complex bill after Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat indicated the bill needs to be reviewed by the newly formed cabinet before proceeding with it further. VIETNAM 1. OVER 10 MILLION FOREIGN VISITORS IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam recorded nearly 10.7 million international arrivals in the first half of 2025. In June alone, about 1.5 million foreigners visited the country and air travel remained popular, with over nine million arrivals. 2. VIETNAM-BRAZIL WARM UP TIES IN RIO DE JANEIRO -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discussed strengthening bilateral relations. They also touched on the Action Plan to implement the Vietnam-Brazil Strategic Partnership for the period of 2025-2030. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Use neighbours as tourism benchmark
Published on: Sunday, July 06, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 06, 2025 By: Datuk Roger Chin Text Size: Sabah's tourism figures are often paraded as a mark of success. Year after year, we hear about millions of tourist arrivals and billions in tourism receipts. But beneath this feel-good narrative is a far more uncomfortable reality - Sabah's tourism industry is propped up by domestic visitors, while international tourism — the true driver of foreign exchange and high-value growth — is stagnating. Advertisement Domestic Tourism Dominates the Headlines In 2023, Sabah recorded around 2.6 million tourist arrivals. But nearly 1.75 million of these were domestic travellers — Malaysians visiting from other parts of the country. That leaves just 858,000 international tourists, or about one-third of total visitors. This is not a new trend. Even before Covid-19, Sabah's international tourism numbers hovered around 1.5 to 1.6 million a year, showing no real growth. Meanwhile, the majority of the celebrated 'tourism boom' has always come from domestic visitors — travellers who spend less, stay for shorter periods, and contribute little in terms of foreign exchange. Compare Sabah's numbers to its regional competitors and the gap is stark. (see table) While Bali, Phuket, and Da Nang have surged back post-pandemic, Sabah's recovery has been modest at best. The international market that matters most is where Sabah lags the most. Air Connectivity - Sabah's Weak Link Part of the reason Sabah struggles to attract international tourists lies in its poor connectivity. Kota Kinabalu International Airport offers just 79 weekly international flights to 13 mostly short-haul destinations such as Singapore, Brunei, Taipei, Narita, and Incheon. Routes come and go, with airlines cancelling services when demand fails to materialise. In contrast, Bali and Phuket enjoy direct connections to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and all major Asian hubs — making them far more accessible and attractive to international travellers. The Visitor Experience - Disappointing First Impressions Even when international tourists do arrive, what they find often leaves much to be desired. Roads to key attractions like Tanjung Aru Beach are potholed and poorly lit. Large sections of Kota Kinabalu city — including Sinsuran and Segama — are plagued by crumbling buildings, broken pavements, garbage, and general neglect. There is no vibrant city centre or waterfront district, no cohesive shopping or dining experience, and no signature cultural or entertainment attractions to extend stays. Unlike Bali's Seminyak, Phuket's Old Town, or Da Nang's riverfront promenade, Sabah offers little beyond its natural beauty — and nature alone is no longer enough. Economic Impact - Limited Gains from Tourism Sabah's tourism industry generated around RM 2.23 billion in receipts in the first quarter of 2024. This sounds impressive until we remember that the bulk of this comes from domestic visitors. By comparison, Bali's tourism sector accounts for about 70% of its regional GDP, driven by high-spending international tourists who stay longer and spend more. Sabah, by failing to grow its international market, misses out on this kind of economic uplift and job creation. Sabah's Challenge - Stop Believing Our Own Headlines Sabah's natural assets — its islands, mountains, and forests — are exceptional. But we are being outclassed because we have failed to match them with modern infrastructure, strong connectivity, vibrant cities, and compelling visitor experiences. If we want to change our trajectory, Sabah must: Expand international air links beyond short-haul regional cities. Invest in urban renewal, especially in Kota Kinabalu's decaying zones. Create signature festivals, shopping districts, and entertainment hubs that make tourists want to stay. Develop a clear, distinctive brand that tells the world what makes Sabah unique. The Time for Illusions Is Over Sabah has spent too long hiding behind impressive-sounding numbers that don't tell the full story. The data is clear: we are not competing where it matters most. Unless Sabah addresses its weaknesses head-on — with courage, investment, and vision — we will remain a secondary destination in a region that has left us behind. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Analysis - China's intense EV rivalry tests Thailand's local production goals
BANGKOK (Reuters): Hyper-competition in China's electric vehicle sector is spilling over to its biggest market in Asia, Thailand, as smaller players struggle to compete with dominant BYD, putting ambitious local production plans at risk. Neta, among the earliest Chinese EV brands to enter Thailand in 2022, is an example of a struggling automaker finding it difficult to meet the requirements of a demanding government incentive programme meant to boost Thai EV production. Under the scheme, carmakers are exempt from import duties, but were obligated to match import volumes with domestic production in 2024. Citing slowing sales and tightening credit conditions, carmakers asked the government to adjust the scheme and the 2024 production shortfall was rolled over into this year. Neta has said that it cannot produce the required number of cars locally and the government has withheld some payments to the EV maker, said Excise Department official Panupong Sriket, who received a complaint filed last month by 18 Neta dealers in Thailand seeking to recover over 200 million baht ($6.17 million) of allegedly unpaid debt. The complaint, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, also detailed missed payments by Neta related to promised support for building showrooms and after-sales service. "I stopped ordering more cars in September because I sensed something was wrong," said Neta dealership owner Saravut Khunpitiluck. "I'm currently suing them." Neta's parent company, Zhejiang Hozon New Energy Automobile, entered bankruptcy proceedings in China last month, according to state media. Neta and its Chinese parent did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. MARKET SHARE DECLINE Neta's share of Thailand's EV market peaked at around 12% of EV sales in 2023 when the industry was growing, according to Counterpoint Research data, with BYD having a 49% share that year. In Thailand, a regional auto production and export hub, Chinese brands dominate the EV market with a combined share of more than 70%. The number of Chinese EV brands has doubled in the last year to 18, placing pressure on those that lack the reach of BYD, which has taken over from Tesla as the world's biggest EV maker. In the first five months of this year, new registration of Neta cars - a proxy for sales - slumped 48.5% from the prior year and its share of EV registrations was down to 4%, according to government data. "Neta's downturn in Thailand reflects the fragility of second-tier Chinese EV brands both at home and abroad," said Abhik Mukherjee, an automotive analyst at Counterpoint Research. "Intense price competition and the scale advantages of dominant players have made survival increasingly difficult for smaller companies, particularly in export markets, where margins are slim and robust after-sales support is essential." In Thailand, Neta's biggest international market, it sells three models, with the cheapest Neta V-II Lite priced at 549,000 baht ($16,924) before discounts, compared to market leader BYD's entry-level Dolphin model that is priced at 569,900 baht. Thailand's domestic auto market has become increasingly competitive amid a sluggish economy. "Some Chinese brands have slashed prices by more than 20%,' said Rujipun Assarut, assistant managing director of KResearch, a unit of Thai lender Kasikornbank. "Pricing has become the main strategy to stimulate buying." China's EV overcapacity and price war have pushed automakers to expand abroad, but markets like Thailand are now mirroring the same hyper-competitive pressures, exposing smaller firms to similar risks. 'NO CONFIDENCE' Three years ago, Thailand unveiled an ambitious plan to transform its car industry, long dominated by Japanese majors like Toyota and Honda, to ensure at least 30% of its total auto production was EVs by 2030. The country, which exports about half of its auto output, has drawn more than $3 billion in investments from a clutch of Chinese EV makers, including Neta, who were partly lured to Southeast Asia's second-largest economy by the government incentive scheme. "Neta's case should give the Thai policymakers pause," said Ben Kiatkwankul, partner at Bangkok-based government affairs advisory firm, Maverick Consulting Group. Last December, after a sharp sales contraction, Thailand's Board of Investment gave EV makers an extension to the initial local production timeline to avoid oversupply and a worsening price war. Under the original scheme, local EV production in 2024 was required to match each vehicle imported between February 2022 to December 2023 or the automaker would incur hefty fines. Car manufacturers avoided those fines with the extension carrying over unmet production into this year, but at a higher ratio of 1.5 times imports. Thailand's Board of Investment said in statement to Reuters on Saturday that Neta's issues were related to the financial situation of its parent firm and did not affect the Thai EV industry in the long-term. "The Thai government remains committed to the automotive sector and continues to promote policies supporting the EV industry and related technologies," it said. Siamnat Panassorn, vice president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, said Neta's issues were company-specific and did not reflect flaws in Thai policies or the market. But external shocks, including geopolitical tensions and the spectre of higher tariffs, have added to the pressure felt by the sector, he said. For Thai Neta dealers like Chatdanai Komrutai, the crisis is deepening. The brand's car owners have taken to social media in droves to share maintenance issues and limited after-sales support and a consumer watchdog agency is inspecting some of those complaints. "Selling cars is difficult right now," Chatdanai said. "There's no confidence." ($1 = 32.4100 baht) (Additional reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Graphics by Pasit Kongkunakornkul; Editing by Devjyot Ghoshal and Jamie Freed) - Reuters
