Issue 42

A thriving pet accessories business has developed out of one woman’s love for her dog.

A dog might be man’s best friend, but pets in general are proving beneficial to the Thai economy.

According to a 2014 report by the Thai Pet Product Industries Association, the industry generated some 11,000 million baht in 2014, showing a growth of more than 10% from the previous year.

Talent Thai Award 2014 winner Mha Dog and Living confirms this trend. The brand was inspired by its managing director and founder Anchana Thongpaithoon’s search for accessories for her beloved puppy.

“Mha Dog and Living was born out of my love,” Thongpaithoon says. “I wanted well-designed stuff for my puppy but I found none in the market, so I created them by myself. After learning by trial and error, I started producing them for sale and Mha Dog and Living brand finally happened.”

Three years on, Mha Dog and Living has developed a reputation for using the finest quality products, producing unique designs and helping to foster a bond between owner and pet.

“My products are made to make owners and their beloved pets have special time together,” Thongpaithoon says. “For example, my scarf is not ready-made. I want pet owners to tie it for their dogs as it helps create a bond between them.”

Besides premium products such as creative and well-made tents, handmade cushions and beautiful scarves, Thongpaithoon has recently developed two more lines – Mud Collection and The Message Collection.

“I want to send a message corresponding to the current situation,” she says. “For instance, a year ago, there was news about dog trafficking in Thailand so I produced big backrest pillows that said ‘Dogs are friends not food.’ I want to send this message to raise awareness. A portion of each purchase is also donated to various charities.”

Social media channels including Facebook and Instagram have helped the brand reach international markets particularly the UK and Japan. “They like our products and we are now in the process of negotiating [with potential buyers],” Thongpaithoon says.

Although its products have attracted interest from clients in Thailand and many countries, Thongpaithoon promises to keep developing new products in order to remain competitive and achieve higher customer satisfaction.

“Preserving the best quality and service is very important,” she says. “Most of our products have been delicately designed and made by hand. I myself take care of each production step like on day one and I will always do so. I remember that I started it from love and I do understand pet lovers. They want the best thing for their pets and my job is to deliver what they are looking for.”

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/Mha-Dog-And-Living

Words by Patcharee Taedangpetch, Photo courtesy of Mha Dog and Living