KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The Thailand Franchise & Business Opportunities (TFBO) 2006, the country's second international franchise show, due to kick off on July 27 to 30, expects to attract some 30,000 businessmen as well as investors.

In a statement here Monday, the organiser, Kavin Intertrade Co Ltd, said the franchise show was expected to cover more than 15 types of businesses, including the new business, licensing, which is rapidly growing in Thailand.

Kavin Intertrade's managing director Kavin Kittiboonya said some 150-170 local and international franchisors and related businesses were expected to take part in TFBO 2006 which would involve 230 booths.

As at Jan 5, 2006, he said about 82 booths have been booked by Thai, Singaporean and Malaysian franchisors representing businesses such as food, retail, education, beauty and spa, information technology as well as printing.

Among the international franchisors who have confirmed their participation are Derma-Aesthetic, E-manicure and Asiawide Franchise from Singapore and Dermal Concept from Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Malaysian representative, Siam Connection Sdn Bhd's director Wong Wai Jo said the franchise opportunity in Thailand was enormous because of the huge population in Thailand, with over 60 million people.

In Bangkok alone, there was approximately 10 million population and these would be a plus point for Malaysian franchisors to consider when venturing into Thailand, he added.

"Having a franchise business is becoming popular in Thailand. One of the reason is that the legal environment for franchisers in Thailand is more open and protective of franchisers' operations," said Wong.

Presently, there are more than 7,000 franchisees in Thailand, the popular franchise operations being in the food and restaurant sector, followed by services, education and retailing.

Among the Malaysian brands in Thailand include Secret Recipe, Petronas, RHB Bank and most recently RotiBoy.