On 9 October 2026, at 5:00 PM, H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of Thailand, welcomed H.E. Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, Minister of Transport and Communications of Timor-Leste, and his delegation during their official visit to the Ministry of Transport to discuss ways to strengthen transport cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was attended by Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan, Permanent Secretary for Transport; Mr. Panya Chupanit, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport; Ms. Wantana Saowadee, Assistant Permanent Secretary for Transport; Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT); and representatives from the Ministry’s International Affairs Division and CAAT.
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport congratulated Timor-Leste on its accession to ASEAN, describing it as an important milestone that would further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in enhancing transport connectivity between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of facilitating travel and transportation for passengers and businesses while promoting more efficient and seamless connectivity.
Both sides discussed progress toward the signing of the Air Services Agreement between Thailand and Timor-Leste, which will establish an important framework for bilateral aviation cooperation and pave the way for the first direct air services between Bangkok and Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste. The proposed route is expected to improve travel convenience, strengthen passenger and business connectivity, and create new opportunities for tourism, trade and private-sector investment in both countries. The Ministry of Transport and CAAT will work closely together to expedite the necessary procedures and closely monitor progress to facilitate the signing of the agreement at the earliest opportunity.
In addition, the Minister of Transport and Communications of Timor-Leste expressed interest in expanding technical cooperation in transport connectivity, particularly through the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices with Thailand. Special emphasis was placed on aviation safety and security. In response, the Director General of CAAT reaffirmed the Authority’s readiness to fully support and promote such cooperation, with a view to strengthening aviation capabilities and fostering closer collaboration between the two countries.
Toward the conclusion of the meeting, the Thai delegation sought Timor-Leste’s support for Thailand’s candidacy for election to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO Council). Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to playing a constructive role in advancing international civil aviation cooperation, supporting the development of transport systems and infrastructure across the region, and promoting connectivity and sustainable economic growth for the mutual benefit of countries in the region and the wider international community.
