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Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Thailand's singles splurge: How ‘solo economy' drives two-thirds of consumer spending
Pedestrians in Bangkok on June 16. Statistics showed a majority of Thailand's single population residing in urban areas. PHOTO: AFP Thailand's single population has emerged as the dominant force in consumer spending, accounting for more than two-thirds of total market expenditure and driving significant growth in luxury goods, beauty products, and premium lifestyle services, according to new research from The 1 Insight. The comprehensive analysis reveals that Thailand's 'solo economy' represents not merely a large market segment, but one experiencing continuous expansion at rates exceeding overall market growth. This demographic shift reflects a fundamental change in social values, with younger generations increasingly choosing independence over traditional family structures. Singles dominate urban landscapes Government statistics from the National Statistical Office's 2023 Socio-Economic Survey indicate that 25 per cent of Thailand's population remains single, with the majority residing in urban areas. Bangkok leads with an extraordinary 50 per cent single population—the highest proportion nationwide. Notably, 75 per cent of Thailand's singles are women, highlighting significant gender patterns in lifestyle choices. The data reveals a clear generational trend: 30 per cent of those aged between 25 and 34 are single, dropping to 25 per cent for those between 35 and 44, and 20 per cent for those aged between 45 and 54. This pattern suggests that younger cohorts are increasingly embracing single life as a long-term lifestyle choice rather than a temporary phase. The 'self-splurge' phenomenon What distinguishes single consumers from their married counterparts is their spending motivation. Whilst families allocate over half their expenditure to household necessities and shared costs, singles direct their purchasing power towards personal enhancement and self-reward—a trend researchers have dubbed 'self-splurge.' This self-focused spending manifests dramatically across multiple categories. Singles spend 30 per cent of their total expenditure on fashion and beauty—four times more than families on beauty products alone. They invest three times more in sporting goods, reflecting heightened health consciousness, and allocate triple the amount to dining out compared to families. Luxury goods consumption among singles doubles that of families, whilst spending on experiences and leisure activities reaches twice the per-capita rate of married consumers. This encompasses collectibles, language courses, recreational workshops including cookery and floristry, design classes, fitness centres, wellness facilities, concert tickets, and travel. Regional variations in spending patterns Urban singles outspend their rural counterparts by approximately 1.2 times, with city dwellers prioritising beauty and premium lifestyle categories. Rural singles, however, demonstrate stronger preferences for home and appliance purchases, including construction materials, furniture, and kitchen equipment—reflecting different living contexts and priorities. Three dominant spending categories The research identifies three standout categories driving the solo economy: Beauty services and products command the highest premium, with singles spending four times more than families. Beyond premium skincare products including serums, moisturisers, and sun protection, singles frequently invest in aesthetic clinics and cosmetic procedures, particularly anti-ageing and brightening treatments. Fashion expenditure reaches three times that of families, encompassing luxury brands across clothing, jewellery, handbags, and timepieces, alongside mass-premium brands emphasising quality and design. This reflects the philosophy that 'appearance maintenance isn't frivolity—it's investment.' Home decoration presents a unique dynamic, with singles spending 4.5 times more than families. This disparity stems from bearing complete responsibility for living space costs without the cost-sharing benefits available to couples. However, it also grants complete autonomy over aesthetic choices, enabling investment in bespoke design elements and high-quality items that authentically reflect personal style. Economic implications The solo economy represents a paradigm shift in consumer behaviour, with singles demonstrating a willingness to pay premium prices for quality of life enhancements. Unlike traditional consumers who might require family validation for major purchases, singles make deliberate, reasoned spending decisions driven by internal motivation for personal fulfilment. This trend presents significant opportunities for businesses that understand and cater to the 'comprehensive self-care' mindset. Companies capable of designing products, services, and experiences that resonate with singles' self-investment philosophy are positioned to capture substantial market share in this rapidly expanding economic segment. The implications extend beyond individual purchasing decisions, suggesting that Thailand's urban economy increasingly depends on consumers who prioritise personal satisfaction over traditional markers of success or social expectations. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Lingayat and Vokkaliga leaders back new SES but plan own digital census over accuracy concerns
BENGALURU: The leadership of the two dominant communities in Karnataka the Veerashaiva Lingayats and the Vokkaligas has welcomed the announcement of a fresh Socio-Economic Survey (SES), but is preparing to conduct parallel digital censuses of their respective communities. While they support the government's initiative, both community leaders have expressed concerns about the possibility of under-representation. They plan to counter any discrepancies in the official data with their own figures. Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha secretary H M Renuka Prasanna told TNIE that software is being developed to facilitate their independent survey. 'In every village, individuals will be covered and data will be uploaded to our website. The Mahasabha units at the village level will be equipped to upload regular updates on the birth and death of community members,' he said. A meeting will soon be convened under the chairmanship of Mahasabha president Shamanuru Shivashankarappa to discuss the initiative further. Similarly, State Vokkaligara Sangha president B Kenchappa Gowda announced that the Sangha would conduct a digital census under the guidance of Adichunchanagiri Mutt head, Dr Sri Nirmalanandanath Swamiji. 'We will oppose any inaccuracies in the caste census being conducted by the state government. It must be scientific to ensure communities receive the entitlements they deserve. If the data is scientifically gathered, we will accept the findings even if the numbers vary,' he stated. He also congratulated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for initiating the new survey.
India Today
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
DK Shivakumar, Parameshwara may lose posts in likely Karnataka reshuffle: Sources
Top Congress leaders are expected to hold a high-level meeting to discuss a major shake-up in Karnataka, according to sources. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with senior leaders Randeep Surjewala and KC Venugopal, is likely to be part of the to information exclusively accessed by India Today, Rahul Gandhi is reportedly upset over the recent developments in Bengaluru and is pushing for sweeping changes within the Karnataka Congress unit. advertisementIn what could mark the most significant shift within the Karnataka government, changes to the portfolios of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Home Minister G Parameshwara are under serious consideration, according to sources. A cabinet reshuffle is also imminent, with senior leaders BK Hariprasad and RV Deshpande likely to be inducted. Further changes are expected in the Chief Minister's Office, particularly following the recent exit of Siddaramaiah's political secretary K Govindraj. More exits are likely in the coming days, sources to sources, the leadership is actively discussing a change in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President. The post is currently held by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Meanwhile, the party is expected to put the caste census, officially known as the Socio-Economic Survey, on hold for comes after at least 11 people died and several others were injured in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4, during an event held to felicitate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team following their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, after chairing a Cabinet meeting on June 5, a day after the stampede, announced the immediate suspension of several police officials, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, the stadium in-charge, the ACP, the central DCP, the Cubbon Park police station in-charge, and the police Chief Minister's decision has drawn criticism from former officers, political parties, citizens, and online communities, many of whom have rallied behind suspended Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda in opposition to the order. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Hans India
14-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Three-day training for trainers programme begins
Guntur: 'The Green Revolution addressed food security, but now the need of the hour is chemical- free safe food and sustainable income for farmers,' said Chief Executive Officer of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) B Rama Rao at the inaugural of a 3-day training of trainers (ToT) programme here on Tuesday. He emphasised that the main motto of Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming (APCNF) is to provide chemical-free food to consumers while improving the welfare of small and marginal farmers as well soil improvement. Highlighting the transformative impact of natural farming, he cited Socio-Economic Survey findings that show higher incomes for farmers practicing natural farming compared to conventional methods. He called for collaborative efforts between the Agriculture Department and APCNF to enable farmer transformation, especially through Village Agriculture Assistants (VAAs) who work closely at the grassroots level. He also appreciated the visionary leadership of T Vijay Kumar, executive vice-chairman of RySS, for initiating and scaling up the APCNF model across the state. Speaking at the event, Dr DV Raidu, RYSS senior consultant highlighted growing concerns such as excessive use of fertilisers and chemicals, reduced organic carbon levels in soil, and soil compaction. Venkateswara Rao, Deputy Director from the Commissionerate of Agriculture, also addressed the participants, stating that combined efforts between the Agriculture Department and RySS are essential for the successful implementation of APCNF. The training sessions are being facilitated by Chandrasekhar, Gopi Chand and Chakravarthy who are guiding participants through technical discussions, strategy planning, and real-world applications of natural farming techniques. The other senior consultants Ramachandram, Rajeswar and Ravichandra also participated.
