Timor-Leste Prime Minister Visits Thailand to Boost Trade and Food Security Cooperation

Key summary

On October 9, 2026, at the Government House in Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Jaidan received Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Gai Rala Chanana Kusmau during his official state visit scheduled for October 9-10, 2026. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. This marks the first high-level visit from Timor-Leste in 13 years, following its ASEAN membership in October 2025. Discussions focused on strengthening economic ties, promoting Thai agricultural exports and processed food products, and enhancing food security. Both nations agreed to increase trade value, with Thailand positioning itself as a food security partner for Timor-Leste. The parties also committed to finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on rice trade to expand market opportunities for Thai farmers and businesses under the ASEAN framework.