Fast food chain KFC says it remains committed to Thailand despite the closure of outlets in the south.

KFC has shut down outlets in Pattani and Yala due to the intensifying violence in the provinces.

The company says the stores were closed partly because they needed to be renovated to meet operational standards. But the current local circumstances make it hard to perform any repairing or renovation works as well as regular equipment maintenance due to difficulties in transportation and finding staff and contractors to work in the area.

The chain said it remains bullish about its prospects in Thailand, planning to open more than 50 outlets nationwide before the year ends, adding to its more than 500 outlets there.