Thai junta orders free World Cup TV

12 June 2014 Last updated at 08:55

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Thailand's ruling junta has ordered TV regulators to ensure that football fans will not have to pay to watch any matches at the World Cup. The military said it was part of its "happiness campaign", which has seen a number of policy gimmicks, such as free haircuts and concerts.

In an attempt to subdue opposition to the coup, the military has been running a charm offensive alongside its repression.

The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says ensuring the World Cup can be watched by everyone is central to this so-called happiness campaign.

The RS broadcaster had already bought the rights to the matches and planned to allow only a third to be shown on free-to-air channels.

To see all of them viewers would have to buy a decoder, at a cost beyond many poorer Thais.

So the military has ordered the national broadcasting regulator to negotiate a deal for all the matches to be shown at no cost.

RS is reportedly claiming $21.5m (£13m) in compensation.

BBC News - Thai junta orders free World Cup TV

Hey these junta guys are sorting things out pretty good so far.

all hail the generals, resistance is futile!!!!

Can we have free beer and snacks as well?

I wonder which couple of geniuses we'll have to endure on the commentary.

Mr. Ohhh Hooo will have to be one. :)

Hmmm populist policies to entice the poor and disenfranchised, where have I heard that before.

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Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Hmmm populist policies to entice the poor and disenfranchised, where have I heard that before.

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Scotland?

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Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Hmmm populist policies to entice the poor and disenfranchised, where have I heard that before.

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Lets see, paid the poor back the money they were owed. Then gave them a break and a chance to see the world cup.

that was a shocking post harry..

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Originally Posted by xanax

Hey these junta guys are sorting things out pretty good so far.

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The more I hear about sensible actions from our glorious leaders, the more I'm inclined to subscribe to the farmer's trick of fattening up their stock before taking them to the market.

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Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Hmmm populist policies to entice the poor and disenfranchised, where have I heard that before.

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Ancient Rome I think, bread and the arena, the dole and free games. Well done anyway who ever did it and for whatever reason.

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Originally Posted by taxexile

all hail the generals, resistance is futile!!!!

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Yep. This action will win over some converts.

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Originally Posted by Neo

Thai junta orders free World Cup TV

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Blimey, they'll be coming for the Jews next :)

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Originally Posted by ericson2u

Nothing like stealing the nations coffers for your whims

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Yup - you'd most likely know all about that my good friend.

Thats wonderful news, I can watch three England games at home for free and channal 3

The new Thai heroes.

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free world cup footie in thailand !! £$%^&*()_.

yea sure.

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Originally Posted by Albert Shagnastier

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Originally Posted by Neo

Thai junta orders free World Cup TV

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Blimey, they'll be coming for the Jews next :)

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Will Cambodians do? :)

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Originally Posted by xanax

Hey these junta guys are sorting things out pretty good so far.

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I hate the fcuking game. Wish they'd banned/blocked it.