British pharmacy and beauty chain Boots plans to grow its network in Thailand to 300 stores during the next three years.

Boots, which recently merged with US-based drug store chain Walgreen, currently has 200 stores in Thailand.

The expansion plans were revealed at the British Business Embassy Retail Food and Drink summit organised by UK Trade and Investment.

Boots has also just become the first ever pharmacy chain in Thailand to have 100 per cent of its stores accredited by the Thai Pharmacy Council.

Another British retailer, Tesco, through its Thailand business Tesco Lotus, also announced investment plans for Thailand with three new state-of-the-art distribution centres. Tesco Lotus has more than 1000 stores in Thailand and the investment is expected to boost the company’s supply chain and create around 9000 new jobs.

“The (British) government is committed to working closely with firms in these sectors to stimulate growth and encourage new investment opportunities,” said Vince Cable, business secretary, UK Trade and Investment.

GB