Thailand: A Rising Star in Self-Storage Investment By Stefano Cassio, Business Development, Vice President, Storage Asia PLC.
Unlike in the US or Europe, the self-storage market in Thailand is in its early stages. While the United States boasts over 52,000 facilities and 213 million sqm of storage space, Thailand has only about 40 facilities with a total of just 46,450 sqm. This low penetration rate represents a significant growth opportunity for investors and operators.
The growth of Thailand’s self-storage market is driven by (1) urban density and limited living space, (2) increased mobility, relocation, and life transitions, (3) tourism and seasonal demand in destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, and (4) low current supply and minimal competition, especially outside Bangkok.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, self storage in Thailand outperformed office and retail spaces, proving its resilience and ability to generate consistent cash flow with minimal staffing and low churn rates. With more than 70% of customers staying for over a year, operators enjoy scalable profitability and exceptional operating metrics.
By looking ahead, with strong fundamentals and rising urbanisation, Thailand’s self-storage industry continues to grow. As interest in alternative, high-margin real estate assets grows globally, Thailand offers a unique blend of early-entry opportunity, market demand, and growth potential, making it a compelling destination for self-storage investment.
The Self Storage Expo Asia will be in Bangkok, May 19-21, 2025. To find our more, contact Heily Lai at heilylai@selfstorageasia.org.