With only eight league games remaining for most English Premier League teams, fans are getting excited. However, for expats in Thailand there’s a reason to be a little sad. After this season we won’t be watching English football matches on BeIn Sports. Perhaps.
For the last two season’s I’ve enjoyed the fantastic service that BeIn have provided. I was initially shocked at how low their prices were and wondered if having all EPL, Champions League, Europa League and a selection of other leagues was for real.
All matches were available on demand for between five to seven days after the event. This meant those 2am kickoffs could be watched next morning “as live”. It also meant you could watch the whole of the weekend fixture list in full if you really wanted.
The service was available on an app, their website and via True Visions. The app and website have been fantastic. Linking my PC to my TV I can watch the games on the big screen and avoid having to join a Cable TV subscription service.
The games were available in English and Thai. For around 1,800 baht a year, the value for money was unbelievable. This season they even introduced three minute highlights clips of every game – fantastic.
Unfortunately, last year BeIn lost the rights to the two major European continental competitions and the new alternative Goal hasn’t lived up to the high standards BeIn set. Whilst still getting the EPL for 1,800 baht is great, I’ve missed watching Champions League games on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Goal does have English commentary but no catch-up service which is what we desperately need here in Thailand.
From the start of next season the EPL it’s unsure who will show the matches in Thailand. Facebook recently pulled out of a deal to own the rights. Other broadcasters could step in and takeover from BeIn. It would mean a possible reduction in quality and features previously afforded football fans in Thailand via BeIn.
However it works, I’ll be sad to see BeIn go. They’ve been a shining light in terms of providing a great online service here in Thailand at an incredible price. If you’re reading this BeIn I wish you’d spent a bit more to outbid Facebook for the rights, I’d have been happy to pay a lot more for the service you provide and I’m sure others would be too. Hopefully we’ll see you back in the market someday. Thanks for the last two years, you’ve been amazing.
