Fast food chain KFC is strengthening its Thailand business by renovating existing stores and opening new ones.

Around 2.2 billion baht ($68.2 million) will be allocated this year for expansion, renovation and marketing activities, says marketing director Thanyachete Ekvetchavit.

The fast food chain is looking to open 50 new outlets in Thailand this year, more than half of them upcountry.

And it says it about 30 existing outlets will be renovated this year.

Operating in Thailand for 30 years now, KFC has around 500 stores there, 300 company-owned, the remaining 200 operated by local partner Central Restaurants Group.

To cater to consumers on the go, KFC has opened a drive-through restaurant in Bangkok, with another two to follow this month.

It says 10 drive-through restaurants are planned for this year.