The dispute dated back to 2016, when then-FAT president Somyot Poompanmoung unilaterally terminated a broadcasting contract between FAT and Siam Sport.
On March 6, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Siam Sport, ordering FAT to pay 360 million baht (US$11.6 million) in damages, plus approximately 200 million baht ($6.4 million) in interest since the lawsuit was filed on Feb. 5, 2016, according to Thai Rath Online.
At the same time, Siam Sport must also pay TrueVisions 240 million baht ($7.7 million) according to the related ruling.
Following the verdict, the current FAT president Nualphan Lamsam, widely known as Madam Pang, entered negotiations with Siam Sport and TrueVisions. The parties agreed to a settlement under which only the principal amounts would be repaid, waiving interest in a move described as beneficial to Thai football.
Under the arrangement, FAT will pay 240 million baht to TrueVisions on behalf of Siam Sport.
The amount owed directly to Siam Sport was reduced to 120 million baht, of which 105 million has already been settled. The remaining 15 million baht is expected to be paid in March, according to Siam Sport.
TrueVisions, a long-time sponsor of FAT, is also working with the association on a structured long-term payment plan that could involve adjustments to sponsorship benefits or reciprocal commercial arrangements.
The financial burden has weighed heavily on Madam Pang’s presidency.
During an emotional press conference last year, she broke down in tears as she described the tough financial situation she encountered upon taking office.
In response, she launched a nationwide fundraising campaign titled “Thais Love Thai Football” aimed at helping FAT settle its debts while supporting the long-term development of the sport.
The initiative features the sale of branded T-shirts, tax-deductible public contributions, and private-sector fundraising events, including concerts, stage shows and friendly football matches.
Despite the debt, FAT insists its development agenda remains intact.
Broadcasting rights for the Thai League were sold for 2 billion baht for the 2025-2026 to 2028-2029 seasons, with an option for a two-season extension.
The association has also increased financial support for professional clubs across all three divisions, to be disbursed in four installments.
Madam Pang, 60, real name Nualphan Lamsam, hails from one of Thailand’s most prominent and wealthiest families. In February 2024, she was elected president of FAT with a record 68 out of 73 votes, thus becoming the first woman to lead a national football federation in Thailand and the first in Asia.
Prior to her presidency, Madam Pang served as the leader of the Thailand national football team from August 2021 to January 2024. During that time, she spent approximately 60 million baht of her own money to reward Thailand teams participating in regional and continental tournaments. Under her leadership, Thailand won back-to-back AFF Cup titles in 2021 and 2022.
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