During 22–25 September 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dili, in collaboration with UN Women Timor-Leste and Timor Aid, organized the TaisConnect Product Diversification Training Workshop at the John Paul II Training Centre in Dili. The four-day workshop brought together 28 members of the Women Weavers’ Network from 14 municipalities and was led by three Thai experts: Ms. Suleeporn Bunbongkarn, Director of Foreign Affairs Department, Chaipattana Foundation; Ms. Jarupatcha Achavasmit, Founder and Art Director of Ausara Surface and Textiles; and Mr. Chanajit Hnudat, Senior Designer of Ausara Surface and Textiles. The experts shared their knowledge and practical experience in textile design, product development and value addition.

 

The workshop built on the assessment mission conducted by the Thai experts in July 2026, during which they visited weaving communities, Tais shops and markets, and met with members of the Women Weavers’ Network to learn about existing products, weaving practices, market opportunities and challenges. During the workshop, the Thai experts shared approaches to developing new products and adding value to traditional textiles, while also exchanging knowledge with Timorese women weavers on their traditions and creativity. The Thai experts also discussed with Timor Aid how to build on this cooperation and promote Timorese Tais and Tais products on the international stage and in global markets.

 

At the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador of Thailand to Timor-Leste, highlighted that Tais is an important part of Timor-Leste’s cultural identity and a source of knowledge and livelihoods for women and communities. He emphasized that preserving tradition and creating new economic opportunities can go together through better design, new products, branding and access to markets. The workshop reflected Thailand’s commitment to supporting women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods and the preservation of Timor-Leste’s cultural heritage through development cooperation. Tais was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2021.

 

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