The country's National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) have insisted that major sporting spectacles such as the World Cup and the Olympics must be aired on free-to-air TV as well as pay-TV channels.

Broadcasters True Vision and Amarin TV are expected to show all 64 matches live from the month long finals, which kick off on 14 June. Nine companies reportedly joined forces to help fund the TV rights: King Power Group, CP, Thai Beverage, Kasikorn Bank, Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), Gulf Energy Development, PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC), Bangchak Corporation and Carabao Dang.

Singapore’s three major broadcasters, meanwhile have agreed to air the World Cup matches as an ‘à la carte’ pricing structure. Singtel, StarHub and Mediacorp together paid a reported S$25 million for the broadcast rights to football’s premier competition.

“Football unites people and nothing proves this more than the FIFA World Cup which turns even casual onlookers into diehard super fans overnight,” said Tan Tong Hai, CEO of StarHub. “With match day one quickly approaching, we are happy to put public interest first and take to the field together with Singtel and Mediacorp to enable all of Singapore to enjoy the beautiful game.”

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon will soon provide full details, the Sports Authority of Thailand said, confirming the rights deal .