US coffee chain Starbucks is undaunted by the fierce competition in Thailand’s coffee market.

Starbucks says it will double its network in Thailand to 400 outlets by 2018.

The chain’s Thailand boss, Murray Darling, says at least 30 new Starbucks stores will open annually until 2018.

“Though the Thai coffee market is very competitive, we see a huge potential to grow our business here because only 30 per cent of the country’s population drinks coffee,” Darling said.

The expansion plan was announced during the opening of the 200th Starbucks store at the Fast Fac project in Wang Noi district, Ayutthaya.