After the success of the 2002 World Cup, DhosPaak, a subsidiary of Thai Beverage, has confirmed that all 64 matches in the 2006 World Cup finals will be shown without any advertisements during the game.

DhosPaak, the official broadcaster licensed by Fifa, has joined hands with Television Pool of Thailand (TV Pool), which consists of six free-to-air stations in Thailand - Channels 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and iTV. The broadcaster said audiences would have a better viewing experience than four years ago because it will offer the latest technology for transmitting signals from Germany.

"This will be the first time that the Hi-Definition Fully Digital 16:9 system will be used for the World Cup broadcasting," DhosPaak director Vorawoot Rojanaparnich said.

"You will get a sharper picture and hear better than you did while watching the 2002 World Cup matches in South Korea and Japan, where the Analogue 4:3 system was used," he said.

"For the upcoming World Cup, all details will be transferred via the new technology."

Meanwhile, World Cup "fever" is building in Thailand. Yesterday the Thai-language Daily News offered readers Bt32 million in prizes, including a Bt10.3-million plot and house for its lucky draw. Readers have to write down the name of the World Cup champions on a coupon, printed in the Daily News, and send it to the paper's head office between March 1 and July 8.

A total of 906 prizes including a Bt2.2-million car, three Bt1-million gold bars, plus motorcycles, will be given away to lucky readers. The draw will be held five times: on March 31, April 28, May 31, June 30 and July 20.

Montreechai Lumyongsatian

The Nation