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Published on March 8, 2008

A number of Thai franchises, especially restaurants, have successfully expanded overseas and now the car-washes see opportunities as well.

Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam are potential markets as they have had significant economic growth of 7.4, 7.2 and 7.1 per cent, respectively.

Other potential markets are China and countries in the Middle East.

Potential businesses that are seeking to expand overseas are car care, Thai food restaurants, spas, printing, logistics services and car-rental services.  Moly Car, a car-care service, has recently succeeded in selling its franchise to Lao and Cambodian enterprises. Chokdee Dimsum, a Thai franchise restaurant, has also succeeded in selling a franchise in Vietnam.

Kanissorn Navanugraha, director-general of the Business Development Department, said yesterday many businesses had considerable potential to move overseas.

"Thai enterprises should study the demands of the market in order to capture share before other pioneers get there," he said, saying the department will provide training courses for high-potential enterprises.

The department has targeted about 10 Thai franchise business to promote overseas each year.

So far, of the 400 franchises operating in Thailand, 20 per cent are seen as having high export potential.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation