Thailand Gears Up for Challenging Volleyball Nations League Campaign
The Thai women’s national volleyball team is set to commence its journey in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), facing a demanding schedule that begins with a challenging opening week in Nanjing, China. The team has been allocated to Pool 3, where they will compete against formidable opponents over three weeks.
Opening Week in China
Under the guidance of coach Kiatipong Ratchatakriengkrai, Thailand’s VNL debut will see them take on the host nation, China, in their second match on Thursday. This will be followed by encounters against Belgium on Saturday and the Czech Republic on Sunday. The squad for this initial leg comprises fifteen players.
The selected players for the first week are:
- Pornpun Guedpard (captain)
- Natthanicha Jaisaen
- Piyanut Pannoy
- Kalyarat Khamwong
- Ajcharaporn Kongyot
- Sasipaporn Chanthawhisut
- Warisara Seetaloed
- Nannaphat Moonjakham
- Kantima Aekpatcha
- Thatdao Nuekjang
- Wimonrat Thanapan
- Kaewkalaya Kamulthala
- Kanyarat Khunmuang
- Pimpichaya Kokram
- Papatchaya Phonthom
Key Absences and Expected Returns
Notably absent from the initial squad are three key players: outside hitters Chatchu-on Moksri and Wipawee Srithong, along with middle blocker Hattaya Bamrungsuk. These prominent figures have been sidelined due to injuries. Volleyball chief Somporn Chaibangyang indicated that the trio is anticipated to rejoin the team for the second and third weeks of the competition.
VNL Format and Competition Landscape
The 2026 VNL features an expanded field of 18 teams, engaging in a three-week preliminary round. The top seven teams, based on their standings, will secure berths in the finals, alongside the host nation which receives automatic qualification. The participating nations represent a strong contingent of global volleyball powerhouses, including defending champions and top-ranked Italy, runners-up Brazil, Poland, Japan, China, Turkey, Germany, the United States, France, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Bulgaria, Belgium, Serbia, Canada, Thailand, and Ukraine.
Thailand’s Previous VNL Performance
Thailand’s most successful VNL performance to date was in 2022, when they advanced to the finals, achieving a record of five wins and eight losses. In the 2024 edition, Thailand secured a place in the finals as the host country, finishing 13th with three wins and nine losses. The team narrowly avoided relegation in the previous year, securing a crucial point in their final match by taking two sets against Canada. This performance allowed them to maintain their position in the elite competition, concluding the tournament with six points from one win and eleven losses, just one point ahead of last-placed South Korea.
Upcoming Matches
Following the Nanjing leg, the team will return to Bangkok for Week 2, where they are scheduled to face Ukraine on June 17, Bulgaria on June 18, Canada on June 20, and the Netherlands on June 21. All matches in this week are slated to begin at 8:30 PM.
The final week of preliminary play will see Thailand travel to Osaka, Japan. There, they are set to compete against the United States on July 8, Japan on July 9, Brazil on July 11, and Turkey on July 12.
