The deal was struck between SPE Networks-Asia and Media Resource Management (MRM), to collaborate with MCOT (Mass Communications Organisation of Thailand), joint operator of the True Visions pay-TV service.
Under the agreement, Animax will be made available to all True Visions pay-TV service subscribers as a basic channel together with local free-to-air channels.
Tanawat Wansom, president of MCOT, said Animax is set to be one of the significant driver channels of MCOT’s emerging pay-TV and new media platforms.
Bernard Sumayao, chief executive officer of Media Resource Management, said, “This collaboration signifies the faith of all parties in the future of the pay-TV industry in Thailand."
He said that the youth segment, in particular, was a very dynamic and challenging one and Animax channel will prove to be a positive influence to its viewers.
Describing the deal as ground-breaking and a significant milestone for Animax, Ricky Ow, senior vice-president and general manager at SPE Networks Asia, said, “The channel now reaches a very sizeable and important segment of the youth and young adult audience in Thailand.”
The programming line-up will include Inuyasha and Hayate the Combat Butler in Thai language dubs and subtitles during the 6 to 7pm slot each night.