Dili, 12 January 2026 – On Monday, the Press Council of Timor-Leste (CITL) hosted the Southeast Asian Press Council Network (SEAPC-Net) Permanent Members’ Meeting via an online Zoom platform.
The SEAPC-Net Permanent Members’ Meeting began with an introduction by the SEAPC-Net Secretary General, Mr. Benevides Correia Barros. The meeting covered six (6) agenda items, namely: Welcome and Introductions; discussion on the Board of Directors (B.O.D.); discussion on preparations for the General Assembly; discussion on the SEAPC-Net annual membership fee; miscellaneous matters; and plans for the next meeting.
The SEAPC-Net President was unable to attend due to health conditions. The meeting was attended by Mr. Chavarong, President of the Thailand Press Council, accompanied by his Secretary, Ms. Summonchaya; Mr. Tin Tun Oo, President of the Myanmar Press Council; and Ms. Suzana Cardoso, who serves as both a Council Member and Director of SEAPC-Net Timor-Leste. Also present were Mr. Sudrajat from Indonesia, including the Executive Director, Director of DRII, and the SEAPC-Net Secretariat.
During the meeting, Council Member Mr. Benevides spoke about the Board of Directors meeting, which was originally scheduled to take place in 2025, and noted that it will now be held one day prior to this year’s General Assembly. Mr. Chavarong also explained the agenda and confirmed the fixed dates for the General Assembly Meeting, which will be held in Thailand from 26–28 March 2026.
Each participating country will be responsible for its own airfare, while Thailand will cover accommodation for the three-day meeting. Timor-Leste will be represented by three (3) participants, Indonesia by two (2), and Myanmar by two (2). In addition, there will be eight (8) observers, including two (2) from Cambodia, one (1) from Vietnam, one (1) from Sri Lanka, one (1) from the Korea Press Arbitration Body, one (1) from the Cebu Citizens Press Council, one (1) from Malaysia, and one (1) from Laos.
All permanent members have already received the draft schedule and agenda for the General Assembly through the Secretariat of the Thailand Press Council. Due to ongoing diplomatic efforts between Cambodia and Thailand to ease tensions following the border conflict in December 2025, Mr. Chavarong requested that Timor-Leste send an official invitation to Cambodia.
Regarding the SEAPC-Net annual membership fee, discussions were held on the transfer process. Permanent members expressed readiness to proceed with the transfer. However, Timor-Leste, as the host, requested additional time to better prepare the process through coordination with the finance division. Members will be notified again shortly regarding the transfer arrangements.
The next (7th) SEAPC-Net Permanent Members’ online meeting is planned to be held in February 2026.
Southeast Asian Press Council Network 