Real Madrid to target Thailand

Hoping to cash in on the huge popularity of David Beckham and Real Madrid in Thailand, the Spanish club is launching a cable TV channel, a souvenir shop and a theme cafe there, it was reported today.

“We are happy to have Beckham ... People who love Beckham are now turning from Man U to love Real Madrid immediately,” said David Altaras, chairman of Asia Sports Development.

Real Madrid ended a four nation Asian tour on Sunday, beating the national Thai side 2-1. It also won its three other matches in China, Japan and Hong Kong in front of sell-out crowds.

In addition to the launch of Real Madrid TV, Altaras said a Real Madrid-theme cafe in Thailand will offer Spanish food, music and football.

The club is planning to open its first Asian merchandise shops in Thailand, Japan and China, he added.

There are also plans for a Real Madrid academy that would identify promising young Asian players and give them a chance to play on the development squads of the parent club, the Bangkok Post said.