The Southeast Asian Volleyball Tournament final took place at the Nakhon Ratchasima Sports Arena on 3/8. Vietnam started strong, winning the first set. In the second set, with the home team leading 21-19, Vietnam executed a skillful drop shot, but Pimpichaya dove to save the ball, allowing Warisara Seetaloed to score.

Vietnam challenged the call, claiming the ball had touched the floor. After reviewing the play with Video Challenge, the referee initially awarded the point to Vietnam. However, Thailand contested the decision, arguing it was a legal save. Upon further review using Video Challenge, the referee reversed the call, giving Thailand a 22-19 lead.

Coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet's players seemed to lose their composure, making several errors and losing the set 19-25. Ultimately, Vietnam lost the match 2-3.

The controversial moment in the second set when the referee awarded the point to Thailand. Screenshot

The controversial moment in the second set when the referee awarded the point to Thailand. Screenshot

After the match, Kiet suggested Thailand's win was not fair. "We lost points due to Video Challenge and the referee at crucial moments," he said, urging his players to seek "revenge" in the second leg, taking place in Ninh Binh this week.

Some Vietnamese fans subsequently posted criticism on Pimpichaya's Instagram page. "Play dirty," one account wrote. Pimpichaya immediately replied, "I am a woman."

Her response quickly drew criticism from Vietnamese fans, who believed she was mocking the gender of Vietnamese opposite hitter Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen. Many considered her comment about a fellow athlete inappropriate.

Pimpichaya later disabled comments on the post, but the controversy continued. When a Vietnamese fan wrote, "The ball touched the floor," the Thai middle blocker responded, "See you in Vietnam."

Pimpichaya and the controversial comments exchanged with Vietnamese fans on social media. Thairath

Pimpichaya and the controversial comments exchanged with Vietnamese fans on social media. Thairath

Thai volleyball fans joined the online feud, defending Pimpichaya and making derisive comments about Bich Tuyen's gender.

Standing at 1.87m tall and known for powerful spikes, Bich Tuyen has been a key player for the Vietnamese team for years. However, she has also faced scrutiny regarding her gender due to her masculine facial features and physique. While Bich Tuyen previously had long hair, her recent adoption of a short, edgy hairstyle has fueled further speculation.

When asked about her gender, Bich Tuyen once responded, "I just focus on performing and giving my best on the court."

Bich Tuyen (#1) and her teammates during the 2-3 loss to Thailand in the SEA V-League final at Nakhon Ratchasima Sports Arena on the evening of 3/8.

This morning, the Thai women's team departed for Vietnam to prepare for the second leg of the SEA V-League. At Bangkok Airport, coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai prevented reporters from approaching Pimpichaya.

The SEA V-League has been held 8 times, with Thailand winning every edition. In this week's second leg, Vietnam will face the Philippines (8/8), Indonesia (9/8), and Thailand (10/8).

Dong Huyen