Bangkok: The House Committee on Sports has expressed gratitude to Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS) for securing the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup while urging them to allocate a portion of these rights to free-to-air television. They also called on the government to resolve the long-standing issue of the Narathiwat sports stadium.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chakphan Piyapornpaiboon, Chairman of the Committee on Sports, along with Mr. Watcharapol Tomorasak, Third Vice Chairman, Mr. Issarapong Upra, Spokesperson, and other committee members, held a press conference to discuss the outcomes of their 4th meeting of 2026. The focus was on two primary issues: the ongoing 15-year delay in constructing the Narathiwat Provincial Stadium and the progress regarding the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mr. Watcharapol Tomorasak shed light on the Narathiwat Provincial Stadium project, initiated in 2010 under the "One Province, One Stadium" policy. The project aimed to foster health, friendship, and peace through sports, especially in the southern border provinces. Despite an initial budget allocation in 2012 and construction completed on schedule by 2011, issues arose when a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) led to a budget allocation to the Lampang Highway Construction Center, diverging from standard public procurement procedures. This resulted in stalled progress, with less than 50% completion before the contractor abandoned the project. The corruption case is now under legal scrutiny by the Office of the Attorney General and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The committee is pushing to expedite construction with an estimated budget of 175 million baht and plans to meet with the minister to advocate for central government funding to complete the project. The committee also plans to address si milar issues with 16 other incomplete sports stadiums nationwide.
In terms of the 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights, Thailand secured these rights, becoming the last of the 11 ASEAN countries to do so. The committee thanked JAS for their investment and urged them to consider free-to-air television broadcasts to make key matches accessible to children, youth, and the general public. This gesture is seen as an inspiration for Thai youth to pursue football. Next week's meeting will focus on reviewing and monitoring the budget of the National Sports Development Fund, with discussions involving the President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and representatives from national sports associations. The committee emphasizes the need for a clear strategic plan and sufficient budget allocation to ensure sustainable development for national sports in Thailand.