Lawson Inc. President Takeshi Niinami said in a recent interview that the convenience store chain will enter the Thai market in fiscal 2013, a move he hopes will serve as a springboard for a push into Myanmar and other emerging markets in Southeast Asia.
The retailer's push into Thailand is a sign that Japanese convenience stores' expansion abroad is kicking into high gear, in reaction to a shrinking domestic market.
Thailand is becoming a business magnet in Southeast Asia and there are many English-speaking people, he said, adding Lawson will spend five years building a solid base in the country.