Anutin Vows Best Effort to Secure 2026 World Cup Broadcasting Rights, Emphasizes No Public Funds Will Be Used
PM Anutin pledged to pursue 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights while assuring no public funds will be spent, instead relying on private sector support to secure the broadcast for Thai viewers.
At 4:55 p.m. on May 18, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed reports that the government was backing away from plans to purchase broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He stated: "The government will coordinate to the best of its ability and explore every possible avenue." When asked how the government views redirecting World Cup broadcasting funds toward Thai football development instead, Anutin clarified that no government budget or public funds are being used. Rather, the government is facilitating and providing support to interested private parties willing to make the broadcast happen. When asked whether Thai people still have a chance to watch the World Cup, Anutin replied with a "Best Effort" commitment.
