Three KFC shops in Yala, Pattani to shut down

THAILAND -  Kentucky has announced the closure of three KFC shops in Yala and Pattani provinces, effective July 15.

 The company did not give reason or reasons for its closure of two KFC shops in Pattani – at Big C Supercenter, and at Diana department store – and one shop in Yala at Coliseum department store.

Some source said that the closure was for security reason and all its mostly local Muslim staff have been notified of the closure in advance and would be compensated under the laws.

But Daily News quoted an assistant manager of the KFC shop in Pattani as saying that the closure of the three KFC shops in Yala and Pattani stemmed from a fact that the three KFC shops were not granted Halal food certification from the provincial Islamic committees despite the fact that the majority of the people are Thai Muslims, while the KFC shop in Phuket was granted Halal food certification.

Besides, he said, security was another reason for the closure although KFC shop was not the main target but the violence has impact on its business.

Therefore the headquarters was worrying about the security of the staff and would no longer risk to suffer damages to its business and staff, he said. But for the staff who wished to continue working, they are allowed to be transferred to neighboring province of Songkhla.

Dialy News said Yum Restaurants International (Thailand) which operates KFC shops will give explanation to the closure soon.