Bangkok: A former member of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has raised concerns that Thais may lose the ability to watch the World Cup for free, urging citizens to resist paying inflated prices set by FIFA.
According to Thai News Agency, Colonel Dr. Natee Sukulrat, who once served as the Vice Chairman of the NBTC, has expressed concerns regarding the financial feasibility of broadcasting the World Cup in Thailand. The former official highlighted that FIFA's increasing revenue demands have made it challenging for free-to-air TV channels to afford broadcasting rights. The removal of the World Cup from the NBTC's "Must Have" rules further complicates the situation, as this list was initially designed to reduce competition among private broadcasters and secure fair pricing.
Dr. Sukulrat explained that political interference has historically undermined Thailand's bargaining power with FIFA, as pre-emptive guarantees to secure votes signal an inevitable purchase to the organization. With the World Cup now removed from the "Must Have" list, the NBTC no longer has the justification to use public funds to subsidize the event, allowing them the option to refrain from purchasing rights if the costs outweigh public benefit.
Dr. Sukulrat pointed to Vietnam's approach as a potential strategy for Thailand. Vietnam has successfully negotiated lower prices from FIFA by being willing to delay agreements and potentially go without broadcasting if prices remain too high. He argues that Thailand could adopt a similar strategy, especially considering the late-night airing times and the absence of the Thai national team from the competition.
By being patient, Dr. Sukulrat believes that Thailand could shift the pressure back onto FIFA and its global sponsors, who are keen to maintain advertising space within the country. He calls for a discussion on the effective use of the "Must Have" rule to prevent monopolies and ensure that public policy remains free from political agendas.