Thailand, Timor-Leste speed up deal for direct flights

Thailand and Timor-Leste reached an accelerated air services agreement during a meeting on October 9 in Bangkok, potentially leading to direct flights between Bangkok and Dili. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at Government House, marking the first such visit to Thailand for a Timorese leader in 13 years and the first since Timor-Leste joined ASEAN last year.

Both leaders discussed various topics, including trade, investment, defense cooperation, and regional developments. They agreed to promote trade and investment, particularly in food security and agriculture, as well as energy, infrastructure, tourism, and hospitality. Thailand and Timor-Leste also agreed to expedite the Air Services Agreement, which would enable direct flights between the two capitals.

Additionally, the two governments committed to continuing development cooperation under a Three-Year Development Cooperation Programme from 2026 to 2028, focusing on sustainable agriculture, community development, public health, and human resource development. They also agreed to boost defense cooperation, expand efforts against online scams and other transnational crimes, and encourage more high-level visits and activities ahead of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The visit also saw Gusmão thanking Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for her support in a children and youth development project in Timor-Leste and the Princess Maha Chakri Award given to outstanding Timorese teachers. A joint statement was issued after the talks outlining areas for future cooperation, and the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism.