On 5 September 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dili, in collaboration with the Alumni Association of Timorese Students in Thailand (AATST) and the Thai community in Timor-Leste, organized “Sawasdee Dili: Thai Taste, Timorese Style” at the Saturday Night Market, Timor Plaza in Dili to showcase Thailand’s soft power and strengthen people-to-people ties between Thailand and Timor-Leste.

The event featured Thai food and Thai massage stalls presented by the Thai community, as well as a Som Tum Challenge. The event also promoted awareness of good nutrition and food safety. Gift vouchers from Thai restaurants and massage shops in Dili were presented to the first, second and third prize winners, along with a special Food Hygiene Award supported by TL Sports and NWTL Department Store. In addition, proceeds from the sale of Thai chicken green curry with rice, prepared by the Thai Ambassador’s chefs, will be donated to Kantina Matak, an initiative of President José Ramos-Horta to support good nutrition for children and young people in Timor-Leste.

H.E. Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador of Thailand to Timor-Leste, and Mr. Samuely de Araujo, representative of AATST, gave welcoming remarks, highlighting the importance of friendship between Thailand and Timor-Leste, as well as the role of AATST in bringing the knowledge, experiences and connections gained in Thailand to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. The Ambassador also expressed his appreciation to TL Sports and NWTL Department Store, as well as the Thai community in Dili for their support in organizing this event.

The event attracted strong interest from the Timorese public, members of the diplomatic community including H.E. Mrs. Jesuina Maria Ferreira Gomes, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, and visitors. There were 15 teams participating in the Som Tum Challenge.

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