Sushi King Japanese Restaurant Chain Expands in Growing Thai Market.

Byline: Boonsong Kositchotethana

Nov. 5--Texchem, one of Malaysia's biggest diversified conglomerates, will step up expansion of its Sushi King Japanese restaurant chain in Thailand after two years of consolidation.

The mostly Japanese-owned group is keen for a bigger share of the growing market for Japanese food, especially sushi, among Thai diners.

The company's enthusiasm is reflected by the recent appointment of a Thai manager to run the local operation, instead of overseeing the operation from its Kuala Lumpur office.

Sompong Patchrakhun, a hotel industry veteran with 32 years' experience, was recently appointed general manager of Sushi …