Do you agree? "Pa Ted" proposes 3 approaches for Thailand to buy the 2026 World Cup broadcast rights.
On 28 May 2026 GMT+7, Pa Ted Yuthana Boon-om, a leading concert event organizer in Thailand, proposed strategies for Thailand to purchase the 2026 World Cup broadcast rights, which remain unresolved but seem likely to be abandoned.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has removed the final round of the World Cup from its Must Have list, meaning Thai people may not be able to watch the 2026 World Cup live on free TV.
The main issue is the 2026 World Cup broadcast rights cost set by FIFA for Thailand, which is as high as 1.3 billion baht. Including operational costs, the total could rise to 1.7 billion baht. This has led the Thai government and private sector to consider it not worthwhile, especially since the broadcast times do not align well with most people's lifestyles.
Recently, Pa Ted Yuthana Boon-om offered three approaches to buying the 2026 World Cup rights via his personal social media as follows:
"Regarding the World Cup live broadcasts, to reduce the rights cost, I think we can lower the broadcast specifications (if FIFA offers package options).
1. We don't need to watch every match live, especially in the group stage. We could select only key matches to broadcast (if allowed). Or if necessary, no live broadcasts in the group stage at all, which is bearable. Watching live from the second round or the round of 16 onward would be acceptable.
2. We don't need to watch live on every platform. Nowadays, almost everyone can access online content. Otherwise, TikTok or vertical dramas wouldn't be so popular. So why not choose a package that broadcasts live only on online platforms? Exclude digital TV platforms to reduce the rights fee.
3. It's fair if viewers have to pay sometimes, because not everyone wants to watch football. Those interested can pay; those who aren't can skip. Let private companies find ways to recoup their investments through free market principles. If it's not profitable, they won't invest. We can't complain then because it means not enough people want to watch football, which is reasonable.
"In summary, everyone responsible should do their best. Watch whatever is available. If you can't watch, tolerate it. We can't expect everything to go perfectly."
