PM Insists Thais Must Have Access to World Cup Broadcasts Without Exception
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has committed to ensuring Thai people can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite no broadcaster yet securing rights due to high licensing fees exceeding 1.3 billion baht.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has declared that Thai people must be able to watch the World Cup, noting that every previous government has ensured this access—so why should his administration be any different? No broadcaster has yet acquired rights to air the 2026 FIFA World Cup final tournament, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026, due to the high licensing fees estimated at approximately 1.3 billion baht. Following a cabinet meeting on May 5, when reporters asked PM Anutin about the World Cup broadcast situation, he responded: "We need to make sure Thai people can watch the World Cup. Every government has done this—will my government be an exception? We'll figure out how."
