Thai football fans have been given a huge sigh of relief. The deal was a groundbreaking broadcast contract that was hammered out in the final hours before kickoff amid weeks of uncertainty and a potential media blackout. The tournament has officially been awarded the rights of exclusive broadcasting to Jasmine International (JAS) and fans nationwide will not see any part of the tournament action.
This is a complete guide to how to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Thailand, as well as the new rules of free TV about the largest football tournament in history.
The Master Rights Holder: Jasmine International (JAS)
In an eleventh-hour announcement, telecommunications company, Jasmine International (JAS) inked a historic $70mil deal with FIFA. This agreement is for both the 2026 and 2030 editions of the tournament, and provides the exclusive domestic rights for these events.
JAS, as the sole rights holder, will host live coverage of all 104 matches of the tournament expanded to 48 teams, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The details of the tournament and the groups can be found on the official FIFA World Cup Website.
Streaming on Demand: Monomax Streaming Packages and Pricing
For fans who want total control over their viewing experience, the entire tournament will be anchored on the Monomax streaming platform.
Existing Subscribers Get Full Access
With a huge blow for consumers, JAS announced that all 104 matches will be fully covered by them under their ongoing plans and will be available without any extra cost.
The Sports Premium Package
For new user sign-ups specifically for the tournament, Mono has introduced a special one-year Monomax Sports Premium package of 5,999 to 6,490 Baht (depending on which promotional packages are included).
According to official press briefings reported by The Bangkok Post, this all-inclusive premium tier offers:
- All the 2026 FIFA World Cup games streamed in high-definition 4K resolution.
- Extensive coverage of the English Premier League season 2026/27.
- Up to two devices can stream simultaneously.
- Over 3,000 live volleyball, boxing and European football events available on the MONOMAX SPORTS channel.
Free TV Rules: Shifting Away From “Must Carry”
The right to watch big sporting events in Thailand was previously governed by the government. But the world has dramatically changed.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) recently amended the controversial “Must Have, Must Carry” rules. These laws previously made it legal that all the big sporting events be fully broadcast on public television without charge. The government has eased these hurdles and now private companies such as the JAS have been permitted to take care of rights negotiations without its interference.
Expect 50% Free-To-Air Coverage
Although the old free TV rules have been eliminated, JAS is keen to work with terrestrial broadcasters to broaden public access.
JAS will sell some of its broadcast rights to public free-to-air stations, such as MONO29. The tournament will feature about 50% of the matches on free television, with only key events such as the opening ceremony, the opening match and the World Cup Final available exclusively on pay-per-view.
FAQs
1. What time do the matches kick off in Thailand time?
Because the tournament is hosted across North America, Thai fans will face late-night and early-morning viewings. Matches will typically stream between 12:00 AM, 2:00 AM, 5:00 AM, and 8:00 AM Thailand Standard Time (ICT).
2. Can I watch the World Cup on my phone using AIS or TrueID?
The primary digital home for the tournament is the Monomax application. However, given JAS’s existing distribution partnerships with major network operators like AIS, users should look out for localized data add-on bundles inside their carrier apps.
3. Will the matches have Thai commentary?
Yes. All 104 live broadcasts streamed through the Monomax streaming platform and shared with public free-to-air stations will feature professional, localized Thai sports commentary and pre-match analysis.
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