Research in Motion, the Canadian smartphone maker which produces the Blackberry, has opened Thailand’s first Blackberry lifestyle shop in Bangkok.

The shop, a joint venture with local mobile phone retailer Jay Mart, reflects the company’s goal to expand the market share of Blackberry despite the rising popularity of Android-based smartphone devices and the iPhone.

“Thailand is one of the top two strategic countries alongside Indonesia where we aim to boost market share. Bangkok is the best location for a global brand retail shop,” said Rohilesh Singh, senior director for retail strategy of RIM East Asia.

The Blackberry lifestyle shop costs 20 million baht (A$667,000) will sell more than 60 different Blackberry devices. It will also feature PlayBook tablets and accessories. 

“This concept store will educate users about our technology,” Singh said. 

The store is on the third floor of Siam Paragon. 

Jay Mart CEO Adisak Sukumvitaya said Blackberry is its third most saleable brand after Nokia and Samsung. 

“Unlike the past nine months when Nokia dominated in first place, Android-based phones and BlackBerry have moved up fast,” said Sukumvitaya.

He also expects continuous fierce competition in smartphone market, predicting prices will drop from more than 5000 baht ($167) currently to 2900 baht ($97). 

Sukumvitaya also told that the price cuts of Blackberry low-end models had increased its sales for the past eight months. However, he warned that it will be a challenge for RIM to drive sales of Blackberry high-end models. 

Canalys, a research firm, reports that smartphone devices in Thailand comprise 17.2 per cent of all mobile phones. The figure is expected to increase to 49.6 per cent by 2015.