Bangkok: Restaurants, shops, and establishments in Thailand are being advised to secure permission before broadcasting the 2026 FIFA World Cup to their customers. The Department of Intellectual Property has issued a warning that using the broadcast signal for commercial purposes without proper authorization from the copyright holder may lead to copyright infringement, which is punishable by imprisonment and fines. The public is encouraged to watch the matches through legal channels to avoid any legal issues. According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Oramon Sapthaveetham, the Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, emphasized the significance of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in attracting a global audience. She explained that while sporting events are not categorized as copyrighted works, the live broadcasts of these matches via television, radio, or streaming platforms are protected under the Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994). The D irector-General further clarified that the International Federation of Football (FIFA) holds the broadcasting rights for the World Cup and licenses them to specific entities within each country. In Thailand, Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS) and MONONEX Public Company Limited (MONO) have secured the rights to broadcast the 2026 World Cup. Unauthorized distribution, whether through social media or other means, may lead to copyright infringement charges, which can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. To prevent such infringements, the Department of Intellectual Property is collaborating with agencies like the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), along with copyright holders in Thailand. This collaboration aims to monitor and prevent unauthorized broadcasts, especially on online platforms, and to strictly enforce regulations against counterfeit goods related to the World Cup. Ms. Oramon also highlighted the need for establishments aiming to host commercial viewings of the World Cup to obtain the necessary permissions and adhere to conditions, which include prohibiting additional admission fees and the unauthorized use of World Cup-related symbols in promotions. The Department urges the public to utilize legal channels for viewing and to refrain from recording or redistributing the matches without permission, to support the sustainable growth of Thailand's sports and creative economy sectors.