Thailand and Timor-Leste agree to accelerate pact for direct flights
An air services agreement could open a Bangkok-Dili route, while the two countries also outlined cooperation on investment, development and security.
Direct flights linking Bangkok with Dili moved a step closer after Thailand and Timor-Leste agreed on October 9 to advance an Air Services Agreement. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hosted his Timorese counterpart, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, for the discussions at Government House in Bangkok.
Gusmão’s trip marked a 13-year gap since the previous official visit by a Timor-Leste prime minister to Thailand. Following their talks, the governments set out future cooperation in a joint statement and exchanged an MoU creating a mechanism for bilateral consultations.
The leaders pledged to promote investment and trade, highlighting rice and food security. Sectors identified as possible destinations for Thai investment included energy, infrastructure, agriculture, food processing, tourism and hospitality.
A planned Three-Year Development Cooperation Programme for 2026 to 2028 is expected to cover public health, sustainable agriculture, human resource development, community development and preparations associated with ASEAN participation.
The countries also agreed to deepen defence cooperation and widen joint efforts against transnational crime, including online scams, through ASEAN and bilateral channels. They plan to convene the consultation mechanism’s inaugural meeting in Timor-Leste to review the visit’s agreements.
More senior-level exchanges and activities are planned ahead of the diplomatic relationship’s 25th anniversary in 2027. Thailand also pledged continued support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN participation, including preparation for a future turn as the bloc’s chair.
