BANGKOK — The Thai government may withdraw from purchasing broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup because the asking price is too steep to justify to the public, government minister Supamas Isarabhakdi announced Tuesday. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Supamas said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wanted Thai citizens to have access to watch the tournament. Last week, the Cabinet instructed the Public Relations Department to explore funding options with state agencies, private companies, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, which had supported previous World Cup broadcasts.

However, circumstances have shifted since the last tournament. Regional instability in the Middle East and unfavorable match scheduling are expected to erode advertising revenue and commercial opportunities, particularly for restaurants and businesses that depend on live event screenings.

When asked about Thailand's quoted price, Supamas said the exact figure cannot be disclosed due to FIFA's non-disclosure agreements. However, she indicated the proposed amount was difficult to defend publicly.

Supamas noted that Thailand, with nearly 70 million people, has been quoted a higher total price than countries with populations approaching 1.5 billion. On a per-capita basis, Thailand faces charges 10 to 20 times higher than some other nations.

The government recognizes Thailand's economic challenges and prioritizes public welfare, Supamas explained. The licensing fee is too expensive, and unlike four years ago, no private sponsors have committed financial support this time.

Match schedules are less appealing to advertisers, making commercial sales more difficult. In the previous World Cup cycle, both the broadcasting regulator and private-sector sponsors contributed funding. Currently, no major corporate partners have agreed to participate.

Regarding alternatives, Supamas said officials are exploring FIFA's reported offer of pay-per-view streaming or limited highlight packages of five to 10 minutes, though specifics remain uncertain.

Asked if the public should abandon hopes of free television coverage, Supamas said while time is limited, the government remains open to private companies that might see the project as a business opportunity.

Summary of the latest Lao government lottery draw, officially known as Lao Phatthana Lottery, under the supervision of Laos's Ministry of Finance for May 19, 2569. Complete prize results include 6-digit prize, 5-digit prize, 4-digit last number prize, 3-digit last number prize, and 2-digit last number prize. Prize payout rates are calculated based on purchase amount in Kip: 4 digits receive 6,000 times the stake (example: 1,000 Kip purchase yields 6,000,000 Kip), 3 digits receive 500 times (1,000 Kip yields 500,000 Kip), and 2 digits receive 60 times (1,000 Kip yields 60,000 Kip). The Lao Lottery, officially called Lao Phatthana Lottery, is operated by the Lao Development Lottery State Enterprise under oversight of Laos's Ministry of Finance and is the legally recognized government lottery of Laos. Draw schedule: Monday through Friday, with the 5/45 Phatthana Lottery drawing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Live broadcast begins at 8:00 PM Thailand time on the Lao National Radio Station and Lao National Television Channel 1 (LNTV). The lottery system draws one 6-digit prize that can be separated into multiple prize categories based on regional preference, with the 4-digit last number being most popular. Additional draws include the Dream Book Lottery (4/40) and Animal Name Numbers, which are unique features of Lao lottery gambling.

On May 19, 2026 at Government House, Tourism and Sports Minister Suraskad Panjcharoenvaragul announced that the Cabinet has passed a resolution to cancel the 60-day visa exemption for approximately 90 countries, including countries with multiple visa categories. These nations will revert to the original visa criteria. Relevant agencies will be notified of this Cabinet resolution. The visa policy committee will subsequently review visa categories on a country-by-country basis to determine which visa type is most appropriate for each nation, taking into consideration security and economic factors. All countries affected by the 60-day exemption cancellation will return to their previous visa classification, with most receiving approximately 30 days.

Live Muay Thai: Watch the Kham Chai Battle featuring Boonmee Sixnine versus Snail Luk Plod at Rangsit International Boxing Stadium in Pathum Thani with fight rules and prize purse details.

The highly anticipated matchup emerges from a dramatic incident during Songkran when Snail Luk Plod assaulted Boonmee Cannabis (Boonmee Sixnine), creating a viral video. The incident was later discussed on the Hone Kraeo program, ultimately leading to today's official bout on May 19 at Rangsit International Boxing Stadium in Pathum Thani.

Boonmee Sixnine Faces Off Against Snail Luk Plod

Both fighters completed their medical examinations and weigh-ins this morning ahead of tonight's bout, which will be the seventh match on the Kham Chai card. The fight will be available to watch live through the Pryde TV application starting at 6:00 PM.

Fight Details: Boonmee vs. Snail

Rules: Three rounds, two minutes per round, two-minute rest periods Full traditional Muay Thai techniques permitted Promoting Officer Phet Yindee offering 20,000 baht per fighter Knockout bonus: Additional 30,000 baht from promoter (not including base purse) Weigh-in and medical clearance completed before tonight's bout

'Boonmee' Vows No Defeat in His Mind, Aiming for Knockout

Boonmee stated in an interview before the fight that he is 100 percent prepared but will remain focused throughout. Over the past three weeks, he trained intensively with Petchpatcharam camp, emphasizing punches, elbows, running, and fundamental Muay Thai. He maintained weight control at no more than 53 kilograms to ensure an even match.

Boonmee expressed wanting to get this fight over so he can return to his business and personal life, as he's been under significant pressure that has affected his business operations.

"There's no disappointment whatsoever. Today I'll give it everything I've got. I hope it's satisfying for those watching. I want to tell Snail to go all out today, and after this fight we should be friends for sure."

His goal today is simple: win by knockout or he doesn't accept losing. Regarding legal proceedings, no charges have been withdrawn yet as both parties agreed to wait until after the fight concludes.

'Snail' Confident in His Decisive Elbow Strike

Snail revealed he is fully prepared both mentally and physically. He trained hard every single day over the past three weeks, waking up at 5:00 AM. His most confident weapon is his elbow strike—if it connects, his opponent goes down. He encourages people to come watch.

"My only goal today is victory. Regardless of the outcome, I want to continue training Muay Thai because I want to become a professional boxer."

Snail acknowledged that the previous incident was his fault but considers it resolved. He views today purely as a sporting competition and assures it will remain that way without any repeat incidents.

On May 19, 2025, Kanjana Poolaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office (SSO), announced that the Medical Board under the Social Security Act has issued a resolution on medical service standards and rates using telemedicine systems during the Middle East conflict situation. The resolution is effective from May 1 to July 31, 2025, to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and reduce travel costs for insured members.

The resolution authorizes the SSO to pay for medical services provided by accredited healthcare facilities offering telemedicine services to Section 33 and Section 39 insured persons suffering from 26 chronic conditions. For outpatient cases, the rate is 65 baht per visit for a three-month period.

The Medical Board has approved increased medical service fees for managing insured members with chronic conditions through telemedicine, particularly for patients with stable conditions suitable for remote treatment, mainly for symptom monitoring and continuous medication delivery. Currently, 118 healthcare facilities nationwide participate in the SSO's telemedicine program to ensure convenient and rapid access to services while reducing congestion at hospitals.

Kanjana stated that the 26 chronic conditions covered include diabetes, hypertension, chronic inflammatory diseases and cirrhosis, heart failure, stroke, cancer, immunodeficiency, emphysema, chronic kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, nephrotic syndrome, lupus, aplastic anemia, thalassemia, hemophilia, leprosy, chronic dermatitis, ITP, hyperthyroidism, and mental illness.

The SSO secretary-general noted that this measure enables Section 33 and Section 39 insured members to access continuous medical care and eliminates the need to travel for medication pickup. Members can use medicine delivery systems alongside telemedicine services, with healthcare facilities billing the SSO directly—no out-of-pocket payments required.

Additionally, participating healthcare facilities must have Ministry of Public Health-certified telemedicine systems operated by licensed professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and practitioners from various medical fields who provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment through digital platforms. The systems must feature reliable identity verification, adequate technological infrastructure for efficient provider-patient communication, electronic transaction records, secure data storage and management, complete treatment reporting, and patient rights notification. Participating facilities must also have oversight and monitoring systems to ensure compliance with standards, equitable service delivery, and accessible care.

On May 19, 2025, police commanders coordinated with Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to execute a court-authorized search of a warehouse in Khlong Luang district, Pathumthani province, following leads of illegal hair dye distribution through online platforms. Officers seized 2,000 unregistered FAJAZZ cosmetic products from the facility.

The investigation was triggered after consumers purchased FAJAZZ hair dye advertised as "100% natural extract with zero chemicals" through online channels, only to experience severe allergic reactions including scalp inflammation, swelling, redness, and pus discharge. Through questioning warehouse staff, authorities learned that a Chinese woman had hired Thai workers several months prior to pack and ship products to customers via a TikTok shop called "Fajazz-TH." When news of the severe allergic reactions emerged, the employee attempted to contact the Chinese owner but could not reach her; the online shop has since been shut down.

Investigators noted that illegal cosmetic importers increasingly use a "risk distribution" strategy, storing products across multiple warehouses and employing Thai nationals to handle packing and shipping to evade direct detection and arrest. Authorities are now intensifying their investigation to trace the capital owners and file charges under the Cosmetics Act for selling unsafe cosmetic products.