The Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore took part in a symbolic tree planting ceremony honouring Timor-Leste’s entry into ASEAN under Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship
On 13 November 2025, Mrs Suwannee Arunsawadiwong, Minister Counsellor, represented the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore at a Tree Planting Ceremony held to commemorate Timor-Leste’s admission to ASEAN. Hosted by the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore, the event gathered Ambassadors and representatives from ASEAN Member States, together with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, to mark this important milestone for the region.
The ceremony featured the planting of a sandalwood tree, presented as a gift of friendship from the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore. The gesture symbolised Timor-Leste’s formal entry into ASEAN under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. As Timor-Leste’s national tree, sandalwood carries deep historical significance, once serving as a valuable trade commodity and now standing as a powerful emblem of endurance, renewal, and national pride.
Thailand warmly congratulated Timor-Leste on its accession to the ASEAN family, reaffirming its support for the country’s integration into the regional bloc. The event underscored the collective commitment of ASEAN Member States to fostering unity, cooperation, and shared development across Southeast Asia.
The Tree Planting Ceremony also highlighted the continued spirit of friendship and partnership within ASEAN as the region welcomes its newest member. The symbolic act of planting sandalwood served as a reminder of the organisation’s enduring values and its vision for a more inclusive and resilient ASEAN community.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore
