Marketing Roundup: REC Reveals Russian Producers Meet Thai Buyers with Over 100 Business Negotiations

Ivan Demchenko, Chairman of the Russia-Thailand Business Council, said that cooperation, once focused mainly on tourism, has now expanded to include agriculture, medical equipment, infrastructure, technology, real estate, and energy sectors. Trade figures reflect this trend.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Thailand increased nearly 23% from January to May 2026, following last year's trade value reaching 1.7 billion US dollars, according to official Russian data reported by TASS news agency.

Yevgeny Tomikin, Russian Ambassador to Thailand, called for accelerating efforts to remove all obstacles. He expressed hope that cooperation among government agencies, regional bodies, and business associations would yield tangible results.

The Made in Russia zone combined product tastings, exhibitions, and business negotiations in one area. Visitors experienced Russian food and beverages, cosmetics, toys, art supplies, folk crafts, and 1C business software.

Exhibitors included LEBER, a playground equipment manufacturer, and cosmetic company Arnest Unirus, presenting brands Velvet Hands, Black Pearl, Crystal Purity, and Feel Moment. Nevskaya Palitra and Riki showcased collectible figures of Smeshariki and Cheburashka characters, with plans to sell them in a future pavilion. The food zone offered Belevskaya pastila, BrandIce ice cream from BRPI, honey, snacks, and fruit drinks.

Altai Bouquet presented herbal teas, alongside Russian wines on display. For Thai visitors, tastings offered a chance to try and evaluate products that producers aim to promote locally. This zone was primarily designed for business negotiations and successfully met its objectives. Twenty-six Thai companies participated in negotiations, with over 100 business meetings held during the two-day event.

The opening of the permanent Made in Russia trade pavilion in Bangkok was the core of the Made in Russia session and the Russia-Thailand trade platform: laying the foundation for long-term cooperation. Participants discussed drivers of sustainable trade and investment cooperation between Russia and Thailand, focusing on the future pavilion as a center for dialogue—not just a showroom but a project factory, a meeting point where exports and investments converge.

After the forum, samples from more than 20 companies are expected to be sent to the permanent Made in Russia pavilion in Bangkok, allowing Thai buyers and business partners to continue studying these products even after the event has concluded.

Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, reminded attendees of the roots of the partnership, noting that diplomatic relations were established in 1897 (BE 2440). Next year will mark the 130th anniversary. He added that in 2027 (BE 2570), Moscow and Bangkok will celebrate 30 years of sister city friendship, highlighting that investment, cultural exchange, and ties between the two capitals complement each other.

Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, sent a message to participants, read by Lyudmila Vorobyova, Director of the Asia Department 3 at Russia's Foreign Ministry, stating that Russia-Thailand relations are founded on strong cooperation, creativity, and mutual trust.

Lavrov emphasized the importance of cultural programs, including Moscow Days, ballet concerts, and friendly hockey matches. He expressed confidence that the forum would advance investment projects. For Russian exporters, the next step is clear: turning initial meetings into continuous deliveries, with the permanent pavilion in Bangkok serving as the focal point to make that happen.

Kasikorn Bank Develops New Generation into Entrepreneurs Kasikorn Bank announced the results of the AFTERKLASS Young Entrepreneur KAMP 2026, a program nurturing youth into new entrepreneurs. It goes beyond idea contests or pitching competitions by providing continuous opportunities to learn and build real businesses over three months, from August to October, through the Learn • Build • Grow process—from identifying business opportunities, designing business models, developing minimum viable products (MVPs), user testing, branding, financial planning, to investment readiness.

Specialized experts and coaches provided close guidance throughout the program, culminating in presentations at the Venture Stage, a simulated environment for pitching to a panel mimicking real fundraising. This gave youth the chance to present ideas, answer questions, and receive feedback to further develop their businesses.

Gift Basket Brand Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leader in health supplement markets under the BRAND’S product line in Thailand and Indochina, continues the success of its 4th year of the #BRAND’SMoreThanAGift campaign. Under the concept of Care x2, integrating Health & Wellness trends and Recipient-first Gifting, it aims to develop sustainable gift baskets considering both giver and receiver, promoting health through quality products and packaging that can be reused daily, meeting modern recipients’ needs. The company also offers promotions with discounts up to 25%.