PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Cabinet has approved a coordinated plan involving seven government agencies to support the live broadcast of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to government sources, the Cabinet assigned the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) as the lead agency responsible for coordinating the nationwide broadcasts. The PRD will work with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and private sector partners on licensing fees and related transmission costs.
The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with considering tax exemptions related to broadcasting rights procurement and easing certain procurement regulations to speed up the process. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will oversee signal transmission systems and anti-piracy measures, particularly efforts to prevent unauthorized broadcasts linked to online gambling websites.
The Office of the Attorney General will review contracts and provide legal guidance to ensure compliance with regulations, while the Royal Thai Police will enforce public order and strengthen measures against illegal football gambling during the tournament. The Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will jointly handle intellectual property matters and international coordination related to broadcasting rights.
Authorities are also coordinating with National Telecom Public Company Limited and Thaicom Public Company Limited to support international signal connections and expand access through digital terrestrial television and other platforms nationwide. Officials said the clear division of responsibilities is intended to ensure the broadcasts proceed smoothly, legally, and on schedule, in line with the government’s goal of making the tournament widely accessible to the public. (TNA)
