Hello, Coffee Lovers: Starbucks to Open 335 New Stores in Thailand by 2030

Some days, you just need an instant caffeine fix, and it's helpful if there's a nearby coffee shop where you can easily grab your favorite cup. Many coffee lovers in Thailand will be pleased to hear that Starbucks is planning to open 335 new stores in the country by 2030, starting in 2023. This expansion is part of Starbucks's goal to have 800 branches in Thailand by 2030.

Starbucks Managing Director Nednapa Srisamai said the move stems from the company’s confidence in Thailand’s economy, recognizing that it’s “a strategic country for Starbucks in Southeast Asia for a long time” and that they are “optimistic about the future of the coffee business” in Thailand. 

Under the business plan, the new stores will highlight Reserve and drive-thru formats. The company hopes to increase the number of drive-thru stores from 56 to 100 in the future as the said format offers customers accessibility and convenience, especially if they're grabbing coffee on the way to work.

Nednapa also revealed that Starbucks plans to open more Greener stores and cashless outlets in Thailand as part of its sustainability goals, which include reducing carbon emissions, wastewater, and waste footprint. At present, there are three Starbucks Greener stores in the country.

Additionally, Starbucks will increase the number of community stores in Thailand to align with its global goal of establishing 1,000 community stores worldwide by 2030.