Officials argue the funds might yield greater long-term benefit if redirected toward grassroots football development in Thailand, reports the Bangkok Post.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul said yesterday (May 18) that the government has not abandoned efforts to secure the rights for the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously instructed the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) to coordinate with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to explore ways for Thai viewers to watch the matches live.
However, preliminary talks between the PRD and the NBTC revealed significant financial hurdles. Mr Paradorn said the rights fee alone would be about B1.3 billion, with taxes of roughly B300 million and operational costs near B100mn - pushing the total above B1.7bn.
“There are questions about whether 1.7 billion baht would truly inspire Thai youth and help Thai football reach the World Cup finals in the future,” the minister said. “Perhaps using the same amount to support youth development programmes and strengthen Thai football infrastructure would create greater long-term benefits.”
Mr Paradorn added that the proposal requires careful review because the funds come from taxpayers, regardless of the funding source. A final decision is expected soon, with the tournament less than a month away.
He suggested the sum could instead support grassroots programmes for several years, citing the former Prime Minister’s Cup youth tournament run by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports as a low-cost example that helped inspire and develop young players nationwide.
Prime Minister Anutin said the government is still making its “best effort” to help secure World Cup broadcasts for Thai viewers and is coordinating “to the fullest extent possible” to explore every available option.