Thailand's 40-match winning streak ended with a 2-3 loss to Vietnam in stage 2 of the SEA V-League 2025 women's volleyball championship in August. Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen was instrumental in this victory, setting a tournament record with 45 points.

However, the 25-year-old spiker will not compete with Vietnam at SEA Games 33. This significantly impacts Vietnam's ambition to dethrone host Thailand, who have dominated women's volleyball for 14 consecutive tournaments since 1995.

Despite Bich Tuyen's absence, Pormpun expressed caution when asked by Thai media about her team's prospects of defending the gold medal at the upcoming Games. "We still have to give our best effort, regardless of whether Vietnam has Bich Tuyen," Pormpun stated on 25/11. "Thailand cannot underestimate our opponents, as they still possess other highly capable players."

Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (center, blue jersey) playing in the match where Vietnam defeated Thailand 3-2 to win stage two of the SEA V-League 2025 women's volleyball championship, at Ninh Binh province stadium, on 10/8. Photo: Hieu Luong.

Bich Tuyen's absence was anticipated after host Thailand confirmed it would implement gender verification rules for certain women's events, including volleyball. She had previously withdrawn from the Vietnamese national team for the 2025 World Volleyball Championship, held in Thailand at the end of August. The 25-year-old spiker cited concerns over new eligibility requirements from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

Gender verification in women's volleyball drew significant attention after Vietnam forfeited four matches at the U21 World Championship in Indonesia, following an FIVB ruling. The FIVB cited an eligibility violation by a player but did not initially disclose the specific infraction or the athlete's identity. This player was later identified as Dang Thi Hong, with the issue being gender-related.

In light of these developments, the Vietnam Volleyball Federation (VFV) plans to introduce gender verification into its National Championship regulations starting in 2026. The VFV is currently awaiting specific guidelines from the FIVB to provide to athletes and clubs.

Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (left) shakes hands with Pormpun Guedpard (center) while receiving an individual award after Vietnam defeated Thailand 3-2 to win stage two of the SEA V-League 2025 women's volleyball championship, at Ninh Binh province stadium, on 10/8. Photo: Hieu Luong.

Bich Tuyen's absence has prompted coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet to revise the team's strategy, distributing scoring responsibilities among multiple attackers. Since 17/11, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team has been training in Vinh Long, a region with a climate similar to Thailand. This period provides an opportunity for many young players to train and compete for spots.

The 19 players currently in training include: Nguyen Khanh Dang, Vo Thi Kim Thoa, Hoang Thi Kieu Trinh, Doan Thi Lam Oanh, Pham Quynh Huong, Le Thanh Thuy, Nguyen Thi Trinh, Nguyen Phuong Quynh, Ha Kieu Vy, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Thi Uyen, Dang Thi Kim Thanh, Le Nhu Anh, Le Thi Yen, Hoang Hong Hanh, Luu Thi Hue, Vi Thi Yen Nhi, Bui Thi Anh Thao, and Le Thuy Linh.

Key players Tran Thi Bich Thuy and Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, currently competing abroad, will join the squad in early December. At that time, coach Tuan Kiet will finalize the 14-player roster for SEA Games 33.

Vietnam is in Group B, facing Malaysia, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, Thailand is in Group A with the Philippines and Singapore. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

The indoor volleyball event at SEA Games 33 will be held at Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, from 10/12 to 19/12.

Thai women's volleyball stands as the dominant force in Southeast Asia, securing 16 of 23 SEA Games gold medals. Since the 1995 Games, Thailand has maintained an unbroken streak of 14 consecutive titles in this event. Throughout this period, Vietnam has reached the final 11 times, consistently losing to Thailand and managing to win only three sets.