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SINGAPORE: Football fans in Singapore will get to watch 28 matches at this year's FIFA World Cup for free, said Mediacorp on Thursday (Feb 5), after the national media network secured rights to the tournament. All 104 matches and official ceremonies of the 2026 World Cup will be available to subscribers on Mediacorp's digital platform mewatch and carriage partner platforms, CNA's parent company said in a news release. In addition to its subscription offerings, Mediacorp will expand free coverage of matches on mewatch and Channel 5 from nine games at the 2022 World Cup to 28 this year, comprising the opening match, 23 group-stage matches, both semi-finals, the third-place playoff and the final. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 participating teams for the first time.   Taking place from Jun 11 to Jul 19, the tournament duration has been extended to 39 days, with the total number of matches increasing from the previous edition's 64 to 104. Argentina are the defending champions, having beaten France in the 2022 World Cup final. Apart from this year's tournament, Mediacorp will also cover all 64 matches and the ceremonies of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, as well as a range of additional FIFA events taking place between 2026 and 2028, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup, FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Mediacorp audiences can also continue to view a curation of football’s greatest moments via FIFA+, a free channel on mewatch. Featuring 24/7 programming, the channel showcases full-length classic matches, curated highlights, vignettes and "best of" compilations, as well as a selection of FIFA+ titles and documentaries. "Football has a unique ability to unite communities, inspire individuals, and Mediacorp is proud to be the home of FIFA events from 2026 to 2028," said the company’s chief customer officer Angeline Poh, "From the opening whistle to the final trophy lift, we look forward to bringing every moment of landmark tournaments to fans across Singapore, fostering shared experiences and creating lasting memories for friends and families." More details on carriage partners, subscription plans and prices will follow. Source: CNA/ec(kg)

if the dish nasi biriyani needs an ambassador..  it should be you...

Take bus meet friend for lunch @chamfer @coffeenut @sTiCkY @classyNfabulous on the way back…   @Cybertan i want taste her intelligent cotton candy farts    

As manufacturing stalls and household debt nears 90% of GDP, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy faces a structural crisis and political instability. The era of Thailand as a high-growth "Economic Tiger" has come to an abrupt halt. Once the envy of its neighbours, the country is increasingly being referred to as the "Sick Man of Asia," as reported by the Financial Times. The nation now finds itself grappling with a severe economic paralysis across its three primary pillars: consumption, manufacturing, and tourism. A Decade of Decay The transition from a regional powerhouse to a stagnant economy has occurred with alarming speed. According to Burin Adulwattana, chief economist at Kasikorn Research Centre, the shift took place in just a decade. Having peaked with 13% growth in 1988, the Thai economy has been trapped at a meagre 2% growth rate for the last five years. Several structural "anchors" are dragging the nation down: Demographic Collapse: Thailand’s population has shrunk for four consecutive years, with 2025 birth rates hitting a 75-year low. Debt Distress: Household debt is now approaching 90% of GDP, the highest ratio in Asia, stifling domestic spending. Eroding Edge: Thailand is rapidly losing its competitive advantage to more agile regional rivals. The Automotive Retreat The manufacturing sector—long the heartbeat of the Thai economy—is under siege from an influx of cheap Chinese goods and fierce competition from Vietnam. The automotive industry, formerly a crown jewel, is in visible retreat. Heavyweights including Nissan, Honda, and Suzuki have responded to the downturn by either shuttering factories or significantly reducing production capacity. The financial markets have reflected this grim reality; in 2025, the Thai stock market was the worst performer in Asia, shedding 10% of its value in local currency terms. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40062077