The government spokesperson revealed that the Cabinet assigned the Public Relations Department to coordinate the broadcast of the 2026 World Cup, stressing that no state budget was used to purchase the rights despite reports of a 1.3 billion baht central budget approval for this.
At 14:00 on 12 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the Cabinet meeting acknowledged the Public Relations Department as the coordinator for broadcasting the event. This is the live broadcast of the 23rd FIFA World Cup in 2026, held from 11 June to 19 July 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Cabinet did not approve any budget for the World Cup broadcast. No consideration was given to any central fund allocation. The Public Relations Department already has a plan for the broadcast format, which involves coordination with multiple agencies, so they are responsible and will provide further explanations. The Public Relations Department has an existing approach for conducting the live broadcasts, involving several agencies; thus, it is responsible and will clarify further details.
When asked by reporters, regarding reports that the Cabinet approved a central fund of 1.3 billion baht, Ms. Ratchada emphasized that no central budget was used. She confirmed that government funds were not utilized at all. Today, no state budget is being spent. The Public Relations Department will clarify the source of funding. If there will be coordination or actions to enable Thai people to watch the World Cup without impacting government budgets, everyone should be happy. Please rest assured that once this process concludes, details will be explained.
She reiterated that reports of central fund approval for the World Cup broadcast are incorrect. As government spokesperson, she must be very cautious in communication. She emphasized that if the World Cup broadcast occurs, it will not use central funds or state budget.
Ms. Ratchada continued that some have criticized the government for supposedly approving a billion-baht central budget to broadcast the World Cup while the public faces hardships. She explained that, in this crisis, the government is focused on supporting citizens through loan measures such as Thai Chuea Thai Plus and the State Welfare Card. The World Cup broadcast is a separate matter. ."