True denies Fifa charge

TrueVisions has responded to accusations that it ran misleading promotions and improperly allocated revenue among the nine official Thai sponsors of the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

According to a statement from Thailand’s leading pay-TV operator, TrueVisions said the company has accounted for its internal revenue and properly distributed the dividends among the nine designated sponsors, the Thai government and itself.

Sueksith Cholasuek, marketing director of TrueVisions Group, said TrueVisions is the only official broadcaster in charge of operations related to the World Cup. Revenue-sharing details are “too sensitive and confidential” to report publicly, the company said.

Mr Sueksith said the 1.4-billion-baht amount the nine sponsors reportedly invested is not accurate. TrueVisions was unable to calculate how the company will use the marketing money because the nine sponsors and the government have yet to settle the details of the revenue-sharing deal.

“I hope this can be solved really soon,” Mr Sueksith said.

Meanwhile, Birathon Kasemsri na Ayudhaya, head of content and media at TrueVisions, said the company strictly followed Fifa’s regulations, adding that the association has taken a strong stance on broadcasting rights and bleaching the contract would affect Thailand’s image.

The marketing campaign “Sawasdee Ball Lok” for Fifa World Cup 2018 conforms with all of Fifa’s regulations, he said, adding that accountability is important for TrueVisions.

Mr Birathon said TrueVisions’ acquisition rights follow the broadcast sponsor method, which means the company can acquire airtime advertising management during the event but cannot use it for commercial issues.

The nine sponsors have equal advertising airtime.

Mr Birathon said people can watch the event though the three main digital TV channels: True4U, Amarin and Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Channel 5. Customers don’t have to apply for TrueVisions set-top boxes to watch the World Cup in HD.

The pay-TV operator will soon launch 4K Ultra HD, which will provide 4K resolution for the World Cup’s 64 matches.

TrueVisions Platinum and Gold package members can now register for a TrueVisions 4K ULTRA HD box to watch Fifa World Cup 2018 in 4K Ultra HD. The installation fee for 4K Ultra HD equipment is 2,000 baht per location.

TrueVisions’ 4K Ultra HD box is compatible with any TV with an HDMI port but will display full-range only if the TV supports 4K technology.