Thailand, Timor-Leste Sign MoU to Expand Trade, Flights
Thailand and Timor-Leste signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and transport, including plans for direct Bangkok‑Dili flights. The agreement also establishes a bilateral dialogue mechanism and supports Timor‑Leste’s bid for the ASEAN chairmanship. Both countries pledged to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations with joint activities in 2027.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at Government House on 9 October 2026 following their bilateral talks. Both leaders witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a bilateral dialogue mechanism between Thailand and Timor-Leste, then held a joint press conference.
Anutin said he welcomed the Timor-Leste premier's visit after the country became a full ASEAN member last year, affirmed Thailand's readiness to support Timor-Leste's full participation in ASEAN, and agreed to elevate cooperation in five areas:
1. High-level visits and bilateral dialogue: Both sides welcomed the positive development in relations and agreed to continue promoting high-level exchanges, including joint activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Thai–Timor-Leste diplomatic relations in 2027, to issue a joint statement setting future cooperation directions, and to set up the bilateral dialogue mechanism, with its first meeting to be held soon in Timor-Leste to monitor and drive concrete cooperation.
2. Defense and security cooperation: Noting a long-standing military relationship, the Thai Armed Forces previously supported peacekeeping missions in Timor-Leste from 1999 to 2002. The Thai Chief of Defence Forces is scheduled to visit Timor-Leste soon to strengthen military ties, and Thailand backs an international forces memorial in Timor to honour peacekeeping contributions. Both sides also agreed to increase cooperation in preventing and suppressing online and transnational crime at bilateral and ASEAN levels to address new threats and enhance public safety.
3. Economic, trade and investment cooperation: The two sides will expand economic cooperation, especially raising the value of bilateral trade and investment. Thailand is ready to be a food-security partner for Timor-Leste and will facilitate exports of Thai agricultural products and processed foods to Timor-Leste. They will expedite concluding a rice trade MoU to create market opportunities for Thai farmers and businesses, and are prepared to link Thai private-sector investment in Timor-Leste, focusing on sectors with potential such as agriculture and food processing, energy, infrastructure, tourism, and hotel business, to broaden business opportunities and foster long-term economic cooperation.
4. Transport and connectivity: They will push to finalize an air services agreement to pave the way for direct flights between Bangkok and Dili in the near future, facilitating travel for people and businesspeople, promoting tourism, and increasing trade and investment opportunities.
