Summary Towards Sustainability of the Pet-Loving Community Through the Discussion on Better Cities for Pets in Collaboration with Bangkok, TAT, Major Development, and Partners

Ms. Phetlada Poovoralak, CEO of Major Development Public Company Limited, stated, “Today, we are not just a real estate developer; we have elevated ourselves to become a Lifescape Developer, particularly focusing on creating equal happiness experiences for 'humans and pets' under the MAJOR PET FAMILY concept. This drives us to develop residences with consideration for the hygiene and nature of pets living alongside humans. From the design of residential units, green spaces, to common areas, we pay attention to details that cater to both humans and pets of various breeds. In organizing the MAJOR DOG DAY 2023 and the discussion on 'Better Cities for Pets', our main objective is to create and expand joyful spaces to welcome the increasing pet population and the group of pet lovers who share the belief that 'pets are family members, just like a Pet Family'. With our long-standing expertise in developing pet-friendly real estate, we aim to apply this knowledge for the benefit of the community. Major is ready to support the pet-loving community because we believe it is a fundamental factor in creating a society where pets have a good quality of life, allowing for the exchange of care information, socializing, and playing in appropriately prepared spaces. The MAJOR DOG DAY event will serve as a model showing that a pet community must include details regarding housing, functionality, and social spaces for pets. We do not want pet ownership to be seen as a trend; rather, it should be part of family life. We encourage careful study and planning before deciding to adopt a pet because we believe that 'pets are family members' who need lifelong care.

Mr. Pornprom Na S. Wikitseth, Chief Sustainability Officer of Bangkok, stated, “Bangkok has laid out a roadmap for 'Better Cities for Pets' to develop Bangkok into a livable city and enhance the quality of life for both residents and pets. The core of the project is to promote better quality of life for pet owners and their pets and to encourage the creation of public parks for both people and pets to utilize. Currently, we have opened more than 7 public parks designated as Pet Zones and are working to expand equal happiness for pets, including cats, birds, and other types, to fully utilize the green spaces of public parks while also creating knowledge about the responsibilities and duties of pet owners towards society and the community when using these services. Additionally, for holistic development, we are accelerating the management of stray animals, including limiting their areas and caring for them, as well as hygiene measures such as vaccinations and microchipping for stray dogs and cats to create an integrated pet community in the city and bring happiness to urban residents simultaneously.”

Mr. Kachonrit Kwanmongkol, Director of the Tourism Products and Business Group at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed the tourism perspective of pet owners, stating, “Currently, the trend of pet ownership and traveling with pets is growing, driving the Thai pet industry market to expand significantly. On average, pet parents spend about 20% more per trip, amounting to 5,600 baht per trip, primarily from high-spending groups who are willing to pay more to travel with their pets. This represents a new market segment with potential and good growth prospects. Therefore, TAT is piloting the Amazing Happy Paws Thailand: Four Paws Adventure project to promote tourism among pet lovers as a diverse travel option in Thailand, aiming to stimulate travel by enhancing the travel experience for tourists along with their pets, leading to income distribution to various areas. Conversely, TAT is also accelerating the promotion of knowledge and regulations regarding traveling with pets in different areas and educating tourism operators about hygiene and readiness to welcome tourists to create a strong Pet-Friendly Community in the Thai tourism industry.”

Dr. Waliya Kanjanapongkit, a veterinarian and Executive Director of Kacha Vet Animal Hospital, presented the view that “Better Cities for Pets is about building and strengthening the pet community while being socially responsible, which is a positive development. It fosters mutual learning between humans and pets, both in terms of family bonds and creating friendships outside the home, not just in residences but also in public spaces such as parks, tourist attractions, or even restaurants. However, the key is the knowledge and responsibilities of pet parents to instill discipline within families and communities, starting from considerations regarding housing, environment, and the behavior of pets suitable for their breeds, as well as the basic needs of pets, including food, water, and exercise areas in the home, to ensure cleanliness and good health. Especially when bringing pets into community settings and traveling, the most important thing is ensuring they are fully vaccinated and controlling pets to prevent stress and aggression in public spaces. If pet parents understand, care for, and adhere to public agreements, we believe the pet community can expand rapidly and become more diverse.”

Finally, from the perspective of Ms. Rungtiwa Ueapoon Siriphat, Assistant Brand Manager at Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the importer and distributor of the Magiclean brand, the number one brand in home cleaning products, stated, “Enhancing the happiness of family members must start from 'home', which is true because if the home is not clean, it can lead to germs and illness for those living there. Therefore, it is essential to choose appropriate cleaning products that have been tested for irritation, meeting the needs of both users and pets, ensuring hygiene at home. We must manage germs, including viruses and bacteria, effectively, achieving 99.99% cleanliness. Importantly, it should not disturb or pose dangers to pets. Currently, there are many cleaning products available for both indoor and outdoor use, including washing and wiping products. Therefore, as pet parents, we must study and read labels and usage manuals carefully to ensure the safety of all household members and achieve maximum effectiveness.”

Conclusion The discussion on “Better Cities for Pets” under the collaboration of government agencies and private organizations, including Bangkok, TAT, Major Development, Kacha Vet Animal Hospital, and Magiclean, shared perspectives and commitments to create a stimulus for sustainability, agreements, and collaborative approaches to elevate the urban pet-loving community and expand into pet humanization tourism in Thailand in an integrated manner in the near future.

Major Development hopes that every home with pets as family members will enjoy experiences filled with happiness and fun, full of adorable moments through the smiles and laughter of you and your dogs, along with knowledge shared at the “MAJOR DOG DAY 2023” and the discussion on “Better Cities for Pets”. We hope this will ignite happiness while enhancing the quality of life for urban residents and pets to have a good and equal quality of life in the style of MAJOR PET FAMILY.