BANGKOK — 28 April 2026, Thai woman has turned an unusual hobby into a business, earning ten thousand baht by selling glow-in-the-dark keychains made from real mosquito remains.
The woman, identified as Lee, shared her story on TikTok, where she explained how she began collecting mosquito carcasses out of curiosity before transforming them into handmade products.
“I make money just by swatting mosquitoes every day,” she said, adding that she developed the idea into keychains that can glow, joking that the design might even scare other mosquitoes away.
She said the products have gained popularity at market booths, particularly among foreign customers, who often buy them as novelty souvenirs from Thailand.
Despite its quirky appeal, Lee said the process is complex and time-consuming. Each piece is handmade and can take several days, from catching mosquitoes to preserving, drying and embedding them in plastic frames.
“Sometimes the specimens are damaged before they are fully dried, so it is always uncertain which pieces will turn out well,” she said.
Lee has also begun purchasing mosquito remains from others under specific conditions, including prohibiting breeding mosquitoes for sale. Sellers are paid based on quality, with prices ranging from 1 to 2 baht per mosquito, and additional labour costs provided.
She said packaging is a crucial step, requiring careful handling to prevent damage, contamination or ants, with instructions for flat paper packaging and proper spacing of specimens.
The keychains are sold for 149 baht each, with an additional 30 baht for delivery. All items are made to order, with delivery taking around 7 to 14 days.
Lee said the business reflects her belief that people should pursue what they enjoy, even if others see it as unusual.
