On 20 December 2022, the International Studies Center in collaboration with the Department of East Asian Affairs and Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Institute of East Asian Studies, Thammasat University organised the seminar on “The Journey of Friendship: 20 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Timor-Leste”. At the event, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Mr. Juvêncio de Jesus Martins, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Thailand delivered welcoming and congratulatory remarks.

Seven speakers, namely, Lieutenant General Nopadon Mungkalaton, former Staff Officer to UN Integrated Mission in East Timor, Ambassador Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya, the first Thai Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Assistant Professor Onanong Thippimol, Faculty of Arts, Thammasat University, Ambassador Surapong Jayanama, former Director-General of Department of East Asian Affairs, Ambassador Ekapol Poolpipat, Thailand’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Ms. Winita Jamikorn, Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste, and Mr. Sujane Kanparit, Editorial Board Member, Sarakadee Magazine, shared their experiences and views on the nascent period of diplomatic relationship between Thailand and Timor-Leste as well as the future prospects. The sessions were moderated by Dr. Anuson Chinvanno and Mr. Varin Sachdev, and attended by past and present high-level diplomatic officials as well as participants from various educational institutions, government agencies, the business sector, and the civil society.