Thailand women’s volleyball fall to Netherlands in five-set thriller at World Championship
Thailand women’s volleyball lose 2‑3 to Netherlands in World Championship pool match but secure second in Group A with seven points.
The Thailand women’s national volleyball team, ranked 18th in the world, faced off against 9th-ranked Netherlands in their final pool match at the 2025 Women’s Volleyball World Championship at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok on the evening of August 26.
Thailand started the match brilliantly, taking the first set 25‑23, only to be pegged back by the Netherlands in the second set to level at 1‑1. The Thai squad regained the lead in the third set, going 2‑1 up, but the Netherlands returned strongly to take the final two sets and edge Thailand in a 2‑3 defeat (25‑23, 17‑25, 25‑23, 10‑25, 14‑16).
Despite the loss, Thailand earned one point, bringing their total to seven points from two wins and one defeat, securing second place in Group A, while the Netherlands topped the group with seven points from three victories.
This encounter marked the first time in nine years that Thailand fought the Netherlands closely, dating back to the 2016 Montreux Masters in Switzerland, when Thailand won 3‑2. In World Championship history, Thailand had previously defeated the Netherlands only once in the past 15 years.
Thailand fielded the same starting six who beat Sweden, including Pimpichaya Kokram, Thatdao Nuekjang, Chatchu-on Moksri, Sasipaporn Janthawisut, Wimonrat Thanapan, and Pornpun Guedpard. As fatigue set in during the longer rallies, coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai rotated in substitutes to maintain energy and adapt strategies.
The top scorers for Thailand were Pimpichaya with 17 points, Sasipaporn with 14 points, and Chatchu-on with 7 points.
Both Thailand and the Netherlands have advanced to the round of 16, where they will face teams from another group. Thailand’s next opponent will be confirmed after Wednesday’s match between Japan and Serbia.
Coach Kiattipong praised his team’s dedication during the past three months of intensive training and highlighted the close five-set match against the Netherlands as a positive sign.
“We gave everything to beat the Netherlands. They are very strong, but I must commend the Thai athletes for fighting with all their heart. Playing five sets in this match is a great testament to their effort and will boost confidence for the next games,” said Kiattipong, thanking fans for their crucial support.
