By happenstance, a Blendax licensee in Thailand named Chaleo Yoovidhya also owned a tonic drink company.

FORBES: The Soda With Buzz

In Thailand he discovered the benefits of a syrupy tonic drink sold in pharmacies as a revitalizing agent.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Mateschitz first encountered Yoovidhya and his tonic drink company during his travels through Asia while working for the German cosmetics company Blendax.

FORBES: Red Bull's Taxing Affair For Thai Billionaire

Mateschitz floated the notion of introducing a tonic drink in the West.

FORBES: The Soda With Buzz

But in the short term the only bright spots were America and in France, where a campaign to promote cognac as a long drink (with tonic, which is not, unlike soda water or ginger ale, really a natural accompaniment) raised sales for the second year running.

ECONOMIST: Spirits