Thai Women's Volleyball Team Secures Asian Games Bronze Medal with 3-0 Victory Over South Korea

On September 22, 2026, the Thai women's national volleyball team concluded their campaign at the 20th Asian Games "Aichi-Nagoya 2026" by securing a bronze medal. They achieved this by defeating South Korea 3-0 in the third-place playoff match held in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The set scores were 25-20, 25-19, and 25-23. Head coach "Coach Ot" Kiattipong Ratchatapongploy led the team with a strong lineup, including captain Pornpun Guedpard, Thatdao Nuekjang, Kaewkalaya Kamulthala, Pimpichaya Kokram, Sasipaporn Chanthawisut, and Chatchu-on Moksri. Piyanuch Pannoy served as the libero. In the first set, both teams started evenly, with South Korea taking an early lead at 8-5. However, the Thai team gradually found their rhythm, utilizing attacks from Thatdao and Pimpichaya, along with aggressive serves that pressured their opponents. This allowed Thailand to extend their lead to 15-10 and maintain their advantage to win the set 25-20, taking a 1-0 lead. The second set saw Thailand begin strongly, leading 4-2. South Korea fought back to take an 11-9 lead. Thailand then adjusted their strategy and regained control of the game, with Sasipaporn Chanthawisut scoring crucial points. The Thai defense also played a vital role in maintaining their lead, ultimately winning the set 25-19, putting Thailand up 2-0. Facing a two-set deficit, South Korea showed determination in the third set, leading 11-8. However, the Thai team remained focused and steadily closed the gap. Ajcharaporn Kongyot was brought in, adding variety to their offensive plays. The set became a close contest towards the end, with scores tied at 20-20 and 22-22. South Korea briefly took a 23-22 lead, but Thailand held their nerve, scored key points to turn the tables, and secured the set 25-23 when a South Korean attack went into the net, sealing the 3-0 victory and the bronze medal. Pimpichaya Kokram was the top scorer for the Thai team in this match with 15 points, playing a decisive role in their important victory. This marks the third time the Thai women's volleyball team has won a bronze medal at the Asian Games, having previously achieved this in 2014 in Incheon, South Korea, and in 2022 in Hangzhou, China. Thailand's best performance in the tournament was a silver medal in 2018 in Indonesia. This bronze medal win concludes the Thai women's national volleyball team's mission for 2026. Earlier in the year, the team won both legs of the Sea V.League, clinched the 2026 Asian Championship title, made history by qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games, and finished 14th in the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League. Following the Asian Games, the players will return to their respective professional clubs before regrouping for future national team commitments in major tournaments. Source: INN News