In a remarkable turn of events, the pet industry in Thailand is thriving, with significant growth reported in recent years. According to Sakchai Phatraprechakun, Group Director of Food Business at N.C.C. Management & Development Co., Ltd., the market related to pets in Thailand reached a staggering value of 258,703 million baht in 2023, marking a 5.8% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects the increasing popularity of pet ownership among Thai citizens, as well as their willingness to invest in pet care.
"This indicates that the pet business in Thailand has a solid foundation, as many Thais are willing to invest seriously in caring for their pets," Sakchai stated. He noted that over 5,000 businesses are involved in the pet industry, which collectively generated a profit of 14,990 million baht. An impressive 94.6% of the investment in this sector comes from Thai entrepreneurs, showcasing the potential for Thailand to expand its pet-related businesses into international markets, particularly in pet food production, healthcare services, and innovative pet products.
The ongoing trend of pet ownership is characterized by several key factors, including pet parenting, premiumization, and smartization. Younger generations, particularly those classified as SINK (Single Income No Kids) and DINK (Dual Income No Kids), are increasingly viewing pets as companions and are willing to spend between 20,000 to 40,000 baht annually on their well-being. This shift in perspective has led to a growing demand for premium pet products and services.
In response to this growing market, N.C.C. Management & Development Co., Ltd. is set to host the Pet Expo Thailand 2025, themed 'Friendship Beyond Frontier'. This event aims to celebrate the love and connection within the pet community and will provide a platform for pet lovers to gather, share knowledge, and experience new innovations in pet care.
Scheduled for April 1 to April 4, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the expo will feature more than 300 companies and 850 booths showcasing a wide range of products and services related to pet care. The event is expected to attract over 200,000 attendees throughout its four-day run, highlighting the increasing interest in pet-related activities in Thailand.
Visitors to the expo can look forward to a variety of attractions, including advanced technologies such as GPS collars, pet tracking devices, automatic feeders, IoT gadgets, and applications designed to monitor pet health. Additionally, there will be designated zones for exotic pets, fashion shows, and engaging activities for all ages.
Among the highlights of the event are competitions for rabbits at the ARBA level and a showcase of various exotic pets, including Aldabra tortoises, wallabies, and even tarantulas. The expo will also feature a Pet Village, where attendees can meet and interact with a variety of animals, including birds and rabbits.
As the pet industry continues to flourish, it reflects broader global trends in pet ownership, where pets are increasingly seen as family members deserving of high-quality care and attention. The rise of pet humanization, premium product offerings, and smart technology in pet care are just a few of the elements driving this vibrant market.
In another significant development in the entertainment industry, Xu Peng, a 29-year-old Chinese actor known for his roles in popular series such as 'Who Rules the World' and 'A Journey to Love', has announced his departure from the acting scene. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Xu revealed that he has decided to return to his hometown to assist his 80-year-old grandfather in selling goods at a local market.
Xu expressed his frustrations with the entertainment industry's reliance on connections and the challenges faced by actors without strong backing. "Don't let pride hold you back," he urged, encouraging others to pursue their passions confidently. His words resonated widely, propelling his message to the top of Weibo trends.
Graduating from the Central Academy of Drama in 2018, Xu has enjoyed a successful career in television and film, but recent experiences have led him to reconsider his path. He stated, "I love acting, but the frequent recasting before filming has drained my passion for this profession." His decision to leave the industry comes on the heels of a particularly challenging filming experience in March 2025, during which he opted out of a project due to unfavorable conditions.
Xu's candid reflections on the diminishing resources in the entertainment industry, especially for actors without connections, highlight the struggles many face in pursuing their dreams. His decision to shift focus from acting to supporting his family has sparked conversations about the pressures within the industry.
As Xu embarks on this new chapter, he humorously noted the challenges of selling oranges at the market, sharing a video of himself navigating the experience. "Playing a series makes a lot of money, doesn't it?" he quipped, before acknowledging the reality of needing to give back to his fans. His unique journey serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Both the flourishing pet industry in Thailand and Xu Peng's decision to leave acting illustrate the evolving landscape of personal and professional priorities in today's society. As pet ownership continues to rise, and individuals like Xu seek fulfillment beyond traditional career paths, it is clear that the values of connection and authenticity are becoming increasingly significant.
