Self-care on every corner: How convenience stores in Thailand have evolved into health hubs
Thailand is well-known for its Wats (Buddhist temples), breathtaking beaches and islands, and vibrant night bazaars. Yet one feature often overlooked is our convenience stores. Although not one of our cultural monuments, with more than 14,000 outlets nationwide as of 2024 – among the highest densities per capita globally – these stores have become iconic landmarks in their own right.
Our convenience stores reflect Thailand’s unique rhythm of everyday life and play an increasingly vital role within our culture and society. They are no longer solely places to grab a quick snack – they reflect a fundamental shift in our mindset shaped by the pandemic and pace of modern life. Thais are no longer waiting for sickness to strike; we are becoming a nation of proactive health managers, embracing convenience stores as everyday hubs for wellness.
Increasing appetite for self-care solutions
Studies have shown that most Thais take early action at the first signs of illness, driven by heightened health consciousness, the lasting impacts of the pandemic, and the influence of a fast-paced modern lifestyle.
- Approximately 30% of Thais feel that sore throat, dry cough, headache, and body aches and pain are more common than before, and they are more concerned when faced with such symptoms.
- More than 80% of Thais agree that it is important to take preventive measures against sore throat, with females exhibiting a greater sense of caution.
- When it comes to cold and flu, the majority of Thais tend to treat it during the early prevention stage (44%), closely followed by treatment at the first signs of sickness (35%).
- As a result, more Thais are turning to self-care products, such as lozenges, for relief. In 2023, there was a rise in popularity for symptomatic products, including sore throat lozenges (68%) and herbal sprays (37%).
This has created an explosive demand for effective self-care products readily available for Thais, in accessible locations, when and where they need them.
Bringing self-care a step closer to home is a step forward in reducing the strain on the healthcare system
Noting rising trends in self-care, convenience stores have seen the opportunity to expand their existing offerings to include over-the-counter (OTC) and self-care products.
iNova’s expansion of its sore throat range into convenience stores across Thailand has made these products much more accessible to consumers. To put into context, Difflam lozenges were previously available in approximately 500 7-Eleven-owned pharmacies.
The recent expansion into 7-Eleven convenience stores has boosted the product’s availability to approximately 14,000 outlets across Thailand, a dramatic 28 times the original presence. Importantly, by making OTC products that allow Thais to relieve minor symptoms more accessible proactively, the burden on local hospitals is eased, demonstrating the even broader impact of this expansion.
Industry leaders say this is not just about convenience, but also about reducing strain on the healthcare system and empowering individuals to manage their health. As Jittima Samerphark, Country Head for Thailand at iNova Pharmaceuticals, shared…
“We cannot control when we feel unwell, but we can ensure that anyone experiencing the first signs of a sore throat can get the relief they need, when they need it, so that quality healthcare remains accessible to all.”
What this expansion means for Thailand
The integration of self-care OTC products into widely present convenience stores is more than a win for convenience and reflects the evolution of self-care, and a glimpse into the future of healthcare, where the first line of defence is just around the corner and in consumers’ hands.
The expansion offers a valuable option for busy individuals, people in rural and underserved areas, and anyone needing quick attention for minor ailments to take control of their own health.
This shift signifies a step towards a more diversified and accessible healthcare landscape, which is an important supplement to comprehensive primary care, empowering patients with unprecedented flexibility and options for their immediate health needs.
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