H.E. Mr. Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing of Timor-Leste, led a delegation on a study visit to Thailand, organized by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) from 8-10 September 2025, in Bangkok, Phetchaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces. The delegation was also accompanied by H.E. Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador of Thailand to Timor-Leste.

In Bangkok, the delegation visited the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), where they were welcomed by Dr. Tej Bunnag, President, APCD Foundation, and Mr. Piroon Laismit, the APCD Executive Director. They participated in a bakery training session with persons with disabilities at the Yamazaki Training Kitchen located at the 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café.  The delegation then traveled to Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi provinces to visit the Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre, the Laem Phak Bia Environmental Research and Development Project, the Model Marine Farm Project in Ban Laem District, Bangtaboon Wittaya School, and Wat Don Sai School (Suwanrat Rat Uppatham).

Throughout the visit, the delegation had opportunities to learn from briefings and exchange ideas with the local executives, staff, and villagers on various topics including natural wastewater treatment methods using aquatic plants, grass, and mangrove forests; model sea farm such as an cultivation of sea grapes to create jobs for the community; an utilization of mangrove forests such as producing charcoal; as well as an application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Lifelong Learning in schools by demonstrating activities like producing herbal products, bio-fermented fertilizer, recycling plastic waste, using alternative energy, raising "happy" laying hens, and operating a small-scale rice mill for the school lunch program.

The Vice Prime Minister and the delegation expressed their interests in further cooperation and knowledge exchanges with Thailand in areas such as planting vetiver grass for soil problem-solving, utilizing mangrove forest, and establishing learning centers for the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in schools.