Representatives of the Catholic Business Executives and Professionals (CBEP) traveled 600 kilometers from Bangkok to the Diocese of Udon Thani on May 31 for the first Catholic Lay Leadership Committee Meeting of 2026.
The two-day summit marked a step forward in bridging theological principles with marketplace realities, bringing together church leaders and entrepreneurs in a growing nationwide network.
“The main goal of the CBEP is to encourage working people and entrepreneurs to make business decisions centered on the Word of God through various courses and activities,” Peter Warakorn “George” Techamontrikul, CBEP president, told LiCAS News.
Integrating Faith and Enterprise
Operating as a lay ministry, CBEP provides a forum for Catholic executives to share management experiences while deepening their faith.
Photo credit: CBEP
The organization hosts the Catholic Business Wisdom Enhancement Program Academy and collaborates with international bodies such as the International Christian Union of Business Executives (UNIAPAC).
A cornerstone of this effort is the Thai Catholic Hub, a Catholic nonprofit startup run entirely by laypeople. The online platform serves as a repository for faith-based content and news.
It also brings together Catholic businesses from dioceses across Thailand, creating a digital ecosystem where members of the faithful can support one another. According to Warakorn, CBEP sees economic stability as an important dimension of Christian discipleship.
“We believe that the Church’s call to synodality is not only about faith but also about livelihoods. When Christian families are economically secure, they are better able to dedicate their time, talents, and resources to serving God and society,” he said.
Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching
For CBEP, commercial success and spiritual integrity are closely linked. The association intentionally aligns its activities with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
“CBEP integrates faith with corporate leadership through ethical practices grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, prioritizing human dignity and the common good,” Warakorn said. “We connect these professionals regionally and globally, facilitating networking, spiritual formation, and faith-based decision-making.”
He said this framework has practical implications for the daily lives of Catholic families and communities.
Warakorn emphasized that walking together in synodality and making use of the unique gifts of the laity are essential to sustainable community development.
“When Christians can support their families securely, they will have the strength to return to serving God fully as lay people,” he added.
A Growing National Network
The Udon Thani meeting served as a platform for dialogue, strategic planning, and performance evaluation. One of its primary goals was to support the establishment of a permanent CBEP chapter in the Diocese of Udon Thani, following the launch of a chapter in the neighboring Archdiocese of Tha Rae-Nong Saeng last year.
Representatives from the Diocese of Chanthaburi also attended as they prepare to establish their own local chapter.
The initiative is part of a broader regional network that includes founding members from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and India.
Beyond Asia, CBEP’s partnership with UNIAPAC links Thai professionals to a global network spanning 45 countries across four continents. UNIAPAC encourages business leaders to see their work not merely as a career, but as a “noble vocation.”
Local Impact and Pastoral Blessing
The effects of the network are already visible in local communities.
David Puttisai, president of the Catholic Entrepreneurs Network of the Archdiocese of Tha Rae-Nong Saeng, expressed gratitude for the support provided to grassroots initiatives.
“Special thanks to Thai Catholic Hub for helping to produce the promotional video for our local organic rice project,” Puttisai said. “Sales were so excellent that this year’s rice production couldn’t keep up with market demand.”
He said the initiative has helped empower agricultural workers and strengthen local livelihoods.
Kalayakorn Saksangwong, president of the Udon Thani Catholic Business Network, expressed enthusiasm about joining the expanding alliance.
“We dream of serving in the footsteps of the selfless missionaries who proclaimed the Good News and are ready to be a part of a national Church organization, to be the seed that passes on values and goodness to others,” she said.
The summit concluded with a blessing from Bishop Joseph Luechai Thathawisai of Udon Thani, who praised the commitment of the delegates from Bangkok and endorsed the initiative.
“This collaboration aims to share the faith and conduct business and work based on God’s teachings,” Bishop Thathawisai said.
“I support this endeavor and pray that God blesses it for success. I am especially pleased to hear that the network extends not only to Thailand but also to Asia and the world. Furthermore, the Thai Catholic Hub project, which aims to improve livelihoods and provide opportunities for farmers and agricultural workers, is excellent.”
