Thai company Berli Jucker (BJC) is investing more in retail with plans to open drug store and convenience store chains.

The first drug store is due to open next month in Bangkok, and a further seven during the remainder of the year.

BJC is also in talks with potential partners in Laos and Vietnam to open convenience store chains there.

“Retail and international business, especially in Asean, is a focused area for us to grow. We have increased investment in Asean, where consumption is increasing rapidly, through partnerships with strong local firms or global specialists to reduce risks,” said senior VP Sujittra Vichayasuek.

The company is also planning to open premium warehouses in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

BJC says it will allocate 513 million baht (US$16.8 million) to finance its expansion plans.

In the first quarter, BJC achieved a revenue of 10.36 billion baht (US$339.5 million), with 15.2 per cent contributed by its international businesses.