'Kidults' buying cartoon toys boost economy in Thailand

The 'kidult' demographic - adults who buy toys - has helped to boost Thailand's economy to 20 billion THB (550 million USD), market data revealed.

The country's toy business, which was hamstrung by the Covid-19 pandemic, recently saw a spike thanks to the cartoon-style art toys trend gaining popularity this year.

Auramon Supthaveethum, director-general of the Department of Business Development, said on June 26 that small businesses made up the largest group in the sector at 1,024 companies, highlighting the growth potential of SMEs.

Of the 1,024 businesses, 855 were sellers and 238 were manufacturers.

In 2023, Thailand recorded a staggering 19.68 billion in revenue from toy sales.

Auramon said: 'This aligns with the current situation where we can see that the toy market is bustling with activity both in Thailand and abroad.

She attributed the boost to 'kidults' - the young-at-heart who spend their disposable income on toy collectables to fulfil their infantile desires.