PM Gusmão to visit Thailand as two countries deepen ties

DÍLI, 6 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will make an official visit to Thailand on October 9-10 at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

The visit will be Gusmão’s first official trip to Thailand in 13 years, following his previous visit in 2013, and comes nearly a year after Timor-Leste became ASEAN’s 11th member in October 2025.

The two-day visit is also expected to help lay the groundwork for the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Thailand, which will be marked in 2027.

Gusmão and his delegation will receive an official welcome at Thailand’s Government House on October 9, followed by a bilateral meeting with Anutin.

The two leaders are scheduled to witness the exchange of an agreement before holding a joint press conference. Anutin will then host an official luncheon in honour of the Timor-Leste prime minister.

Their discussions are expected to cover development cooperation, defence and security, including efforts to combat transnational crime, as well as trade, investment, food security, energy and tourism.

The two sides are also expected to discuss people-to-people ties and cooperation within ASEAN, where Timor-Leste is participating as the newest member.

Thailand and Timor-Leste have maintained close relations since Thailand contributed to international peacekeeping efforts in Timor-Leste in 1999. Thailand was also among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the newly independent Southeast Asian nation.

Thailand has since supported Timor-Leste’s socio-economic development through cooperation in areas aimed at addressing the needs of local communities.

Gusmão’s visit comes as Timor-Leste steps up its engagement within ASEAN and prepares to assume the bloc’s rotating chairmanship in 2029.

TATOLI