Thai Women's Volleyball Team Receives 14.7 Million Baht Bonus After Securing Olympic Berth

The Thai women's national volleyball team has made history by winning the 2026 Asian Championship and securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. To celebrate this monumental achievement, the team was awarded a prize of 14.7 million baht. On this occasion, Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Mr. Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister, led the national team to meet with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The Prime Minister congratulated the team on their significant success in Thai sports. The government, through the National Sports Development Fund, presented a total prize of approximately 14.7 million baht to the athletes, coaching staff, and related personnel. A highlight that brought smiles and cheers to the room was when the Prime Minister pressed a button to transfer 600,000 baht in real-time directly into the athletes' Krungthai Bank accounts. Many athletes quickly pulled out their phones to check their balances, erupting in joy over the prize money, which represented the reward for their sweat, dedication, and struggles through fatigue, injuries, and international pressure. Mr. Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Thailand Volleyball Association, stated that today's success was not achieved overnight but was the result of continuous planning and development in Thai volleyball for over 40 years. The association has aimed for the Olympics since 1997, with an initial goal for the 2004 Athens Games. Despite facing numerous disappointments, missed opportunities, and tears, their belief and commitment to developing the team never wavered. Finally, on August 30, 2026, their long-awaited dream became a reality. The Thai women's team not only became the number one team in Asia but also secured a ticket to the 2028 Olympic Games, which has only 12 slots available globally. The Prime Minister expressed his immense joy and pride upon hearing the news of their victory, emphasizing that the achievements of the women's volleyball team brought happiness not only to the team but to all Thai people. He noted the lively atmosphere in restaurants and the widespread congratulations on social media as testaments to this. The most meaningful aspect, he said, was witnessing the Thai national anthem played on foreign soil. The Prime Minister believes this victory is a source of strength for the hearts of the Thai people, as sports are not just about skill or technique but also about heart, fighting spirit, and the support of the entire nation. Following their Asian Championship victory, the team's mission continues. Despite fatigue and not being at 100% physical condition, the athletes immediately resumed training to prepare for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. They continue to compete and bring victories to Thailand. The government reaffirmed its commitment to fully supporting athletes, not just in volleyball but in all sports with potential. This support will encompass budget, welfare, sports science, and skill development, aiming to propel Thai athletes to the forefront of the world stage. The volleyball team presented the Prime Minister with a volleyball signed by all the players. Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined "Chompoo" Pornpun Guedpard, the captain of the national team, in setting and bumping the ball. Regarding the Asian Championship trophy, the Prime Minister requested the athletes to keep it at the Volleyball Association of Thailand. He described the trophy not merely as a souvenir, but as a symbol of their journey from dreams to disappointment, from tears to effort, and from relentless effort to a victory that the entire nation proudly shares. Today, the Thai women's volleyball team has proven that no dream is too far if one holds belief, has a plan, and never gives up. The Asian Championship title marks a new chapter in history, but the 2028 Olympics await as the next part of their story. From now on, the entire Thai nation will not just be spectators but will unite in cheering for the Thai women to go further than ever before. Information Source: INN News