On 3 February 2024, H.E. Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador-Designate of Thailand to Timor-Leste, attended the 2024 Chinese New Year Dinner Party, hosted by the Association of Chinese Youth Entrepreneurs in Timor-Leste. The event was also attended by H.E. Mr. Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and Rural Development, along with Ambassadors of China, Cuba, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Chinese community, currently constituting almost 2% of the country’s population, plays a significant role in the economic and social development of Timor-Leste. Established in 2019, the Association comprises over 200 members engaged in various businesses ranging from restaurants to construction materials. These include a notable Thai-Chinese businessman, Mr. Thawatchai Khamcharoen, the owner of a car repairing business, who also serves as the Vice-President of the Association.   

This event provided an opportune platform for networking with local business leaders and representatives from Timor-Leste's Government. Ambassador-Designate of Thailand and his wife, as well as officials from the Royal Thai Embassy and their families received a warm welcome from the event’s host, reflecting the strong Thai-Chinese ties that exist across the globe, including in Timor-Leste.

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