Thailand and Timor-Leste have agreed to speed up an air services agreement that would allow direct flights between Bangkok and Dili, according to a Thai government statement on talks held in Bangkok on October 9.
For the travel trade, a direct link would open a new route into Southeast Asia’s youngest tourism market and give Thai carriers and tour operators a fresh outbound and inbound product. The two governments named tourism and hospitality among the sectors where Thai companies could invest in Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão made the visit, the first official trip to Thailand by a Timorese prime minister in 13 years. The leaders also pledged to boost trade and investment, with a focus on rice and food security, and listed agriculture and food processing, energy and infrastructure alongside tourism as areas for Thai investment.
The two sides plan to continue development work through a Three-Year Development Cooperation Programme running from 2026 to 2028, covering sustainable farming, community development, public health and skills training.
After the talks the governments released a joint statement on future areas of cooperation and exchanged a memorandum of understanding setting up a bilateral consultation mechanism. Its first meeting is due to be held in Timor-Leste. The two countries mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Separately, Thailand is also advancing plans for a flat 450 baht tourist arrival tax.