Starbucks Coffee Company Opens First Store in Thailand.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JULY 17, 1998--Starbucks Coffee International and Coffee Partners Co., Ltd., celebrated the grand opening of the first Starbucks retail location in Thailand today at the Central Department Store, Chidlom, Bangkok.

The Starbucks store offers a complete menu of Starbucks internationally acclaimed coffee beverages, a selection of more than 30 varieties and blends of the finest arabica coffee beans, freshly baked local pastries and desserts and a wide selection of coffee brewing equipment and accessories.

"The people of Thailand can now enjoy a great cup of coffee and a unique specialty coffee experience with the opening of the first Starbucks retail location," said Chairman Sudhitham Chirathivat of Coffee Partners Co., Ltd. "With its passion for quality and excellent customer service, Starbucks will become the market leader in the specialty coffee industry in Thailand."

"The commitment of Coffee Partners Co., Ltd. to people and coffee is important in bringing the Starbucks Experience to the Thailand market. When you go into a Starbucks store, the experience is pleasant, uplifting and diverse. It is a place with a heart and soul," said Howard Behar, president of Starbucks Coffee International. "Every store opening enhances our brand recognition, which continues to grow throughout the Asia-Pacific region."

As part of Starbucks commitment towards contributing positively to the communities, a percentage of the net proceeds from the opening day will benefit the United Nations International Children Educational Foundation in Thailand.

Coffee Partners Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Central Pattana, holds the licensing rights to open Starbucks retail locations throughout Thailand. The company is a joint venture between Central Pattana and Keyumars Shirdel, Managing Director, Coffee Partners Co., Ltd.

Starbucks Coffee International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq:SBUX). Starbucks is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in North America. Thailand represents Starbucks Coffee International's seventh Pacific Rim market. Starbucks Coffee International has opened retail locations in Japan, Hawaii, Singapore, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

CONTACT: Starbucks Coffee Company

Soon Beng Yeap, 206/587-7430

or

Coffee Partners Co., Ltd

Kannikar Veerapong, 011-662-937-1734

or

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