Kantang: A 23-year-old engineer has left his full-time job in Bangkok to take over and expand his father's red worm farming business, generating a steady income of 500-2,000 baht per day. Mr. Phakorn Arkhayanon, also known as Aomsin, showcased the red worm breeding pond located in Kantang District, Trang Province, a business his father has operated for nearly eight years. Aomsin, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering, decided to leave his engineering career to continue the family business, recognizing the support it provided during his education and seeing its potential for growth.
According to Thai News Agency, Aomsin's career choice is promising due to the demand for red worms as fish food by those who raise ornamental and commercial fish, especially in the South. The region has a limited number of farmers breeding red worms, most of whom use them for their own fish farms, presenting a market with few competitors and growing demand.
The farm in Trang Province has 18 ponds dedicated to raising red worms, capable of producing 3-5 kilograms daily based on customer orders. The worms are sold in portions ranging from 20 baht to 300 baht per kilogram, with frozen worms available for nationwide delivery.
The process of cultivating red worms involves preparing a clean pond, filling it halfway with water, and adding a mixture of green water starter, rice bran, MSG residue, and either urea or rice field fertilizer. After three days, red worms appear and can be harvested for sale, providing an income stream of 500 - 2,000 baht per day, amounting to 25,000 - 30,000 baht monthly.