On 27 June 2025, H.E. Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador of Thailand to Timor-Leste, together with Mr. Jackson Lay, Director of JYL International and Ms. Maria Guterres, CEO of Alola Foundation, presided over the opening of “Thai Gastronomy Week” (TGW), organized by the Royal Thai Embassy, Palm Springs Hotel Dili together with Thai Trade Center, Jakarta and Tourism Authority of Thailand, Jakarta Office. Part of the proceeds from TGW would be donated to Alola Foundation, a Timorese non-profit civil society organization that provides support to young women and children, to support its endeavor. On this occasion, Ms. Panrawe Pockvat, Chef of the Residence of Thai Ambassador, and Ms. Thawanya Nirakul, Assistant to the Chef, prepared authentic Thai cuisine for the participants. The event received very positive response from the participants which included Mr. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mrs. Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, and the diplomatic community in Timor-Leste.

 

The activities are part of an ongoing initiative by the Royal Thai Embassy to enhance cooperation with local NGOs in organizing charity events to support local communities. In October 2024, the Embassy donated essential items for women and infants to Alola and Casa Vida foundations to provide support to young women and children who are victims of gender-based violence.