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[title]Bangkok is evolving into a city where pets can come along for the ride. Cafes are setting out water bowls, shopping centres are relaxing rules and public spaces are beginning to open their gates. Benjakitti Park already has a dedicated dog park and Lumphini Park is preparing one of its own, signs that the capital is slowly learning to make room for our fur babies. In this changing landscape, a few pets have become unlikely ambassadors, none more recognisable than the stars of the page Eyebrows are the Crown of Calorie. The appeal goes beyond dramatic brows, glamorous wigs and runway-ready outfits. At its heart is a story about responsibility, creativity and the bond between a man and his dogs.
For Prompirya ‘Black’ Batmabisek, adopting a dog was never part of the plan. He loved fashion and design and pets were new territory, until one ordinary day and an unexpected visit that changed everything.
What inspired you to get your first dog?
I’ve always loved fashion, creativity and design, but I’ve never raised a pet before. One day I accompanied a friend to buy a dog and saw a tiny Chihuahua sitting alone with an injured leg. I felt sorry for him and decided to take him home myself. The seller told me he would stay small – which turned out not to be entirely true. Calorie had weak muscles and needed acupuncture for almost a year before he could walk normally. That was four years ago and it was the start of everything.
How did the idea of the ‘dog with eyebrows’ begin?
I started putting my own personality into Calorie by dressing him up, giving him wigs and most importantly, drawing eyebrows. Unlike the soft, gentle brows many people paint on pets, Calorie’s eyebrows had to be sharp and confident. His face shape and human-like eyes made the look fit perfectly and the eyebrows became his signature.
When did the page ‘Eyebrows are the Crown of Calorie’ start?
Before TikTok was popular, I posted photos in a Chihuahua lovers group on Facebook with more than 200,000 members. People kept asking me to open a dedicated page so they could follow Calorie’s fashion and eyebrows every day, so I did.
When did the page really become popular?
After about a year, the content expanded beyond simple outfits and eyebrows. The turning point was when I started making fashion covers, dressing Calorie like celebrities on red carpets and beauty queens on stage. Because my family already worked with sewing, we could design outfits quickly and people began to follow closely.
Which post was the biggest?
Probably the post recreating Blackpink Lisa’s comeback look. It created a lot of buzz and even some drama and that helped the page reach a much wider audience.
How did sponsorships begin?
The first real job was a dog shampoo product review. It went viral with around five to six million views in a single day – because at that time no one was making pet content with wigs and eyebrows in this style.
How did Casper join the family?
Casper came from a rescue page looking for homes for dogs. He has three legs and was abandoned by a puppy farm. The organisation already knew Calorie’s page and trusted us, so they asked if we would consider adopting him. Casper’s grumpy expression soon became famous, especially after he appeared at Major Dog Day with the Bangkok governor.
What’s the relationship between Calorie and Casper like?
They connected naturally. Calorie can be a bit aloof, while Casper is playful and often leans on Calorie for comfort. Without any effort, they became inseparable.
What is daily life like for them?
Every morning they go to the garden, eat fresh meals prepared by mum and walk around the village with dad. We even moved from a condo to a house so the dogs would not feel stressed and have more space.
Do they dress up at home too?
Yes, they wear outfits almost every day because we enjoy sewing and designing. But at home I don’t usually take photos – I just like seeing them well dressed as I walk by.
What do you think about Bangkok becoming more pet-friendly?
It has improved a lot compared with four or five years ago. Back then I was often criticised for bringing Calorie into malls. Now shopping centres, restaurants and even airlines are more open and pets can experience more of the world.
How do you balance content creation with the dogs’ mental health?
Their wellbeing always comes first. I post less – around four videos a week – and if the weather is hot or they seem uncomfortable at events, I remove the outfits immediately.
Any tips on reading dog emotions?
It’s difficult, but if they shake and run to be held, that usually means fear. If they approach others calmly and sniff, that means happiness and curiosity.
What should a real pet-friendly place be like?
There should be clearly separated areas so both pet owners and non-owners feel comfortable and pets do not disturb others.
How do you travel with them?
Only by car. I avoid public transport and would never put them in airplane cargo for safety reasons.
What essentials do you bring when going out?
Wet wipes, dry wipes, poop bags, water, treats, a leash and a carrier, always prepared for any situation.
What are your (four-legged) future goals?
I want to create a YouTube travel channel for dogs and would love to see Calorie appear in a movie or on television one day.
Follow the adventures of Calorie and Casper on Facebook and Instagram @iam.calorie