BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun has joined Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul in welcoming Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão during his official visit to Thailand on October 9–10, 2026. The Deputy Prime Minister participated in plenary discussions at Government House, where both sides addressed expanding bilateral trade and investment, enhancing food security, and increasing opportunities for Thai agricultural and processed food products.
This visit is the first official visit to Thailand by a Timor-Leste prime minister in 13 years and the first since Timor-Leste joined ASEAN in October 2025. Thailand expressed its readiness to partner with Timor-Leste to support food security and facilitate exports of Thai agricultural and processed food products.
Both sides agreed to expedite the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding on rice trade. The proposed MOU aims to expand market opportunities for Thai agricultural products, support Thai farmers and businesses, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. The discussions reflected broader efforts to deepen Thailand–Timor-Leste economic ties within the ASEAN framework following Timor-Leste’s accession. The two prime ministers witnessed the signing and exchange of agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit. (NNT)
