Thailand News: Race for Premier League TV rights springs a surprise

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: The race for English Premier League TV rights had a surprise conclusion when “dark horse” Cable Thai Holding (CTH) snatched a three year deal under the noses of three big bidders including current holders TrueVisions.

It was expected that one of the three major bidders – TrueVisions, GMM Grammy and RS – would win the coveted deal for the country’s most-watched soccer league. However, it was CTH that won the rights to broadcast the EPL matches from 2013-2014 season.

CTH president Wichai Thongtang told reporters at a conference yesterday that the contract his company won also covered neighboring countries but he declined to reveal the value of the deal.

“We cannot tell you the figures at this stage. But, it’s between Bt7-9 billion. We won the domestic rights for the EPL games but it also covers Laos and Cambodia. We’re considering providing set top boxes for fans,” said Wichai, who also owns shares in several leading hospitals.

Wichai, though, did not rule out the possibility of joining hands with other partners.

“We welcome everyone to join us in this business, including TrueVisions with whom we still have good relationship. Two or three parties have already approached us. But, everything must be under the rules imposed by the Premier League.”

The British media reported earlier this week that the Premier League TV revenues from domestic and overseas contracts was set to break the 5 billion pound barrier for the first time ever.

— Phuket Gazette Editors