7-Eleven swamps Thailand

Thailand has overtaken Taiwan as host to the third-largest number of 7-Eleven convenience stores in the world, behind only Japan and the USA, media reports said yesterday.

The number of 7-Eleven outlets in Thailand reached 5,500 this year, surpassing Taiwan's 4,000 stores, but behind Japan's 12,000 stores and the USA's 6,000, the Bangkok Post reports.

"We expect the total number of stores to reach 7,000 in 2012, enabling us to replace the US [as World Number Two]," said Suvit Kingkaeo, Senior Deputy Managing Director of CP All Plc, operator of the 7-Eleven franchise for Thailand.

The ubiquitous 24-hour convenience stores were introduced to the Thai market around 20 years ago and now offer various services, such as paying bills and providing mobile phone SIM cards as well as conventional corner-store fare.

What would we do without 7-eleven????
It has saved me many a night on my way home after prowling the city... They manage to have what you need, when you need it... Ok, so it costs a little bit more... thats ok, is it not? Getting a warm, ham cheese sandwich at 0320am for 22B is very good... I don't mind!!!

It's not ham and it's not cheese, honestly.

It is weird shite masquerading as a ham and cheese sarnie, and they should be paying you to eat it...

The best thing about 7-11 is that you know the person behind the counter isn't factoring a special 'tax' onto the bill the second you walk through the door.

It's also a great place to break 1000 baht notes.