Thailand lost 2-3 to Vietnam in the second leg of the SEA V-League 2025, held at the Ninh Binh Gymnasium on the evening of 10/8. The team returned home the following day and was welcomed by the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA) at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

TVA President Somporn Chaibangyang said the loss wasn't a major setback, as the SEA V-League holds less weight than the SEA Games or the Asian Games. However, it still resonated with fans.

Thailand Volleyball Federation President Somporn Chaibangyang welcomes the women's national team at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the afternoon of 11/8/2025. Photo: TVA

Thailand Volleyball Federation President Somporn Chaibangyang welcomes the women's national team at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the afternoon of 11/8/2025. Photo: TVA

"We understand that everything has its ups and downs, its cycles," Somporn told the media at the airport. "Our job is to find ways to develop so that rivals like Vietnam cannot catch up."

The 75-year-old president wants the Thai women's team to reach world-class level. He recognizes the growth of women's volleyball in many countries, especially in Europe. The SEA V-League defeat presents a learning opportunity for Thailand to maintain its leading position.

Team captain Ajcharaporn Kongyot acknowledged the inherent hope and disappointment in sports. She urged fans to continue their support and maintain their faith.

"Losses teach us lessons, forcing us to examine our mistakes, change, and come back stronger," Ajcharaporn said. "When the match was at a standstill, the team didn't change the tempo quickly enough. This problem has persisted since the Nations League."

The historic loss drew criticism towards coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai, reviving discussions about hiring a foreign coach.

President Somporn admitted that this matter needs discussion, as the Thai women's team has never had a foreign coach. However, any coach would face challenges gathering players competing abroad with only about two weeks of training before a tournament.

Coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai of the Thai women's national volleyball team. Photo: TVA

Coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai of the Thai women's national volleyball team. Photo: TVA

"We will discuss with coach Kiattipong to understand his perspective," Somporn said. "The International Volleyball Federation is also ready to provide a foreign coach if Thailand needs one."

One obstacle is the salary for a foreign coaching staff. The TVA needs to assess its financial capabilities while hoping for support from the international federation.

Kiattipong and his team will have a day off before preparing for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship. The 32-team tournament will take place from 22/8 to 7/9 in four cities in Thailand.

Vietnam is in Group G, playing in Phuket with Poland, Germany, and Kenya. Host Thailand is in Group A, competing in Bangkok against the Netherlands, Sweden, and Egypt.

This is Vietnam's first time participating in the tournament. Thailand has participated six times, with its best result being 13th place in 1998, 2010, 2018, and 2022.

Trung Thu