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Marketing Roundup: BNI Connects SMEs to Build Business Ecosystem for Mega Trend

Marketing & trends17 Aug 2026 10:00 GMT+7

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Marketing Roundup: BNI Connects SMEs to Build Business Ecosystem for Mega Trend

Mr. Kolkit Thalernwachati, Chairman of BNI (Thailand), stated that BNI is a business organization that develops Thai entrepreneurs, especially SMEs and startups, to grow by building networks and expanding markets both domestically and internationally, with a vision to transform business competition into mutual assistance through Connectivity & Collaborative Network.

This approach helps foster growth, strength, and sustainability in the Thai economy, following the Giver Gain philosophy—those who give are those who receive. Members offer business opportunities to one another based on trust, aiming for each member to refer customers worth an average of 5 million baht per person, thus creating continuous circulation in the Thai economic system.

Currently, BNI (Thailand) has 5,000 members from various industries, providing members with advisors and opportunities to learn effective business development. In 2023, it expects to expand its entrepreneurial membership by 1,500 people to reach 6,500 nationwide, targeting each member to be able to refer customers to one another.

"Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed the development and transformation of our member network. Some entrepreneurs have grown to enter the stock market, others have expanded their customer base internationally, and they have used BNI’s tools and networks to sustain their businesses despite economic, political, and COVID-19 challenges. Overall, BNI members have generated business value of approximately 135 billion baht."


Mr. Kolkit revealed BNI (Thailand)'s future direction to push SME and startup members to develop businesses aligned with global trends through the Accelerate approach—focusing on business transformation to align with Mega Trends, which are macro-level changes impacting the economy, society, lifestyle, and sustainability. This will be done in collaboration with the government to support future economic policies such as EV cars, solar power, sustainable tourism, creative industries, and the growth of pet-related businesses.

Our Accelerate approach emphasizes sustainability, expanding membership to entrepreneurs in various provinces, and increasing members’ business value by linking with international networks. BNI (Thailand) includes members from diverse industries such as IT and online, property and construction, marketing services, industry, health and wellness, and hotel and hospitality.

Marry Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI (Business Network International), revealed that BNI is a global organization founded 40 years ago, with branches in over 78 countries and 355,000 members worldwide. BNI believes that business does not have to be isolated; building teams and networks plays a crucial role in driving member businesses and supporting each other. In 2023, the focus is on combining Tradition & Innovation to develop businesses for members.

However, as the world changes rapidly, BNI has integrated AI to provide more opportunities to assist members and deliver value to customers. BNI (Thailand) has continuously grown its network over the past 20 years, reflecting increased membership that positively impacts Thai entrepreneurs. It believes membership can double in the future, with Thailand’s potential to connect business networks to international markets being a key factor.


Best Seller in Korea Singha Lemon Soda continues its success in the South Korean market with the recent launch of a new flavor, Lime Lemon, developed specifically for Korean consumers. It features real lemon freshness and highlights sugar-free and calorie-free benefits.

Mr. Thitiporn Thamapimukkul, Chief Marketing Officer of Boonrawd Trading Co., Ltd., said that after Singha Lemon Soda’s continuous growth in Thailand’s canned sugar-free soft drink market, the company expanded into Korea in 2022, receiving positive consumer responses.

Meanwhile, Korea’s zero-sugar beverage market is growing steadily, especially the non-cola soft drink segment where consumers seek freshness and unique flavors. The company launched its third flavor, Lime Lemon, specially developed for the Korean market, emphasizing genuine lemon freshness with zero sugar and zero calories.

Currently, Singha Lemon Soda is available in Korea in three flavors: Lemon, Yuzu, and the latest Lime Lemon, to meet Korean consumers’ lifestyles and preferences. The packaging is adapted to a 355 ml can, the standard size in Korea. Lime Lemon was launched in June 2026, initially sold through GS25 and expanded to convenience stores, supermarkets, and e-commerce channels.


Expanding into Qingdao Mr. Rati Panthavee, President of the Advertising Association of Thailand (AAT), invited Thai agencies to participate in Exploring The ASEAN Advantage 2026, organized by the Qingdao Advertising Association in Qingdao, People’s Republic of China, to connect networks and increase business opportunities for association members. The AAT is advancing its role from Endorser to Facilitator by fostering cooperation between advertising associations abroad. Recently, it signed an MOU with the Qingdao Advertising Association to exchange knowledge and link companies from both countries to create business collaborations.