US chain Starbucks is set to open 30 new stores in Thailand each year until 2024 in a bid to revive outlet growth in the country. 
 

Starbucks Thailand, the local operator of the chain in the country, said that expansion plans were put on hold during the pandemic. 

The company has noted improved sales in the first half of the year and has opened 15 new Thai stores in 2022 to date, predominantly at petrol stations and community malls. A further 15 outlets will be opened in the next five months. 

"Thailand is a strategic country for Starbucks in Asia Pacific, along with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. It still has the potential to open more Starbucks in Thailand due to strong brand awareness. Thais have a lifestyle to drink coffee and Thailand is also one of the important tourist destinations," said Nednapa Srisamai, Managing Director, Starbucks Thailand. 

Starbucks, which began operating in Thailand in 1998, currently operates 444 stores in the country and provides services online and via third parties such as Singaporean e-commerce sites Shopee and Lazada. 

The chain has a strong presence in Asia-Pacific, operating more than 1,500 stores in each of Japan and South Korea and over 500 outlets in Taiwan. It also operates 430 stores in Indonesia, 400 in the Philippines, 320 in Malaysia and 150 in Singapore.