During 6-9 April 2025, Mr. Sarun Benjanirat, Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), led a delegation from CAAT and the Ministry of Transport of Thailand on a visit to Timor-Leste to discuss the Air Services Agreement between Thailand and Timor-Leste. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador of Thailand to Timor-Leste, hosted a welcome dinner in honour of the delegation, which was also attended by Mr. Lourenco de Oliveira, President Director of Aero Dili. In addition, the Ambassador also accompanied the delegation to pay a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, Minister of Transport and Communications of Timor-Leste.

At the opening ceremony of the discussion, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of strengthening connectivity, particularly people-to-people ties between the two countries. He noted the entry into force of the visa exemption agreement for tourism purposes for holders of ordinary passports on 22 November 2024, as well as Timor-Leste’s anticipated accession to ASEAN. Meanwhile, both sides expressed their strong commitment to advancing the negotiation and reaching the conclusion at the earliest opportunity. The agreement will serve as a framework for future air connectivity between the two countries, which will benefit the business and tourism sectors of both countries accordingly.