Bangkok: The Cabinet has sanctioned the live broadcast of the 2026 World Cup, delegating responsibilities among seven agencies to ensure coordinated efforts for the broadcast, covering taxation, legalities, and technical signal connectivity in time for the tournament's commencement. The government has mandated stringent measures against online gambling as part of this initiative.

According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet has assigned the Public Relations Department as the primary agency to oversee the coordination of the live broadcast of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The directive outlines the duties of seven agencies tasked with ensuring that the live broadcast aligns with stipulated requirements and timelines.

The Public Relations Department will lead efforts to coordinate with various sectors to manage the live broadcast efficiently, including liaising with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and private entities concerning broadcasting rights fees and associated expenses.

The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with considering tax exemptions related to copyright procurement and relaxing procurement regulations in certain situations to facilitate operations.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will handle technical aspects of signal transmission and implement measures to prevent copyright infringement, focusing on blocking signals from reaching online gambling platforms.

The Office of the Attorney General will review draft contracts and provide legal counsel to ensure all licensing agreements comply with regulatory standards.

The Royal Thai Police will enforce peace and order, implementing strict measures to curb football gambling throughout the tournament.

The Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are jointly responsible for overseeing intellectual property rights and coordinating with foreign nations on pertinent issues.

Furthermore, collaboration will occur with the National Telecommunications Public Company Limited and Thaicom Public Company Limited to secure support for connecting international signals to Thailand, allowing public access through digital terrestrial television and other channels.

This structured approach aims to ensure that all processes are executed quickly and legally, fulfilling the objective of broadcasting the World Cup live and spreading public enjoyment in line with government policy.