Laundromat demand draws washer makers to Thailand, Philippines

Business trendsSamsung, U.S.-based Alliance offer time savings for region's growing middle classThe WashXpress chain, with around 600 locations across Thailand, uses Speed Queen washers and dryers from Alliance Laundry Systems. (Photo by Keigo Iwamoto)KEIGO IWAMOTO and NAMI MATSUURAAugust 4, 2026 06:37 JSTBANGKOK/SEOUL -- Demand for commercial washing machines is on the rise in Southeast Asia as the middle class expands, drawing companies like Samsung Electronics and U.S.-based Alliance Laundry Systems to a growing market.