Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed the Thai women's volleyball team, Asian champions, at Government House. He demonstrated an underhand volleyball set, awarded the athletes 14.7 million baht in prize money, then personally pressed the button to transfer the funds directly into the athletes' accounts, thanking them for bringing happiness to the Thai people.
At 10:30 a.m. on 3 September 2026, in the Purple Room of the Thai Khu Fah Building at Government House, Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Somsak Thongsri, Deputy Prime Minister overseeing sports, accompanied the Thai women's national volleyball team, 2026 Asian champions who qualified for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, to meet Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul to offer congratulations. A ceremony was held to initiate the real-time transfer of prize money to the athletes. The government, through the National Sports Development Fund, awarded over 14 million baht after the team’s successful Asian Championship win. Also present were Charoen Watthanasin, Vice Chairman of the Olympic Committee of Thailand under Royal Patronage; Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT); Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Volleyball Association of Thailand; along with Air Force Sergeant Major Kiattipong Ratchakriangkrai, known as Coach Ott, head coach of the national women's volleyball team, and the coaching staff.
Volleyball chief describes success as over 40 years of continuous planning.
Surasak expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the SAT to the Prime Minister for presiding over the prize-giving ceremony and congratulating the athletes and all involved for their success in the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship.
Somporn said that reaching this point required over 40 years of continuous planning, with clear, concrete development plans spanning short, medium, and long terms aimed at Olympic qualification. The goal was set back in 1997, targeting the 2004 Athens Olympics, though success was not achieved then. Despite setbacks and disappointments, they never lost confidence and continued to strive. After many attempts and emotional challenges, the athletes and team finally united to achieve their dream on 30 August. Moving forward, development must continue by nurturing new generations. He thanked the government for initiating the Prime Minister’s Youth program, which plays a vital role in developing grassroots children and youth to the national level. He affirmed the volleyball family's commitment to fulfilling their role as representatives of the Thai people to the best of their ability.
Prime Minister expresses gratitude for bringing happiness to Thai people.
Anutin said he felt very happy since learning the news on the night of 30 August while still in the provinces. Everyone was confident that this time the team would bring joy to the Thai people. He had followed the matches and sensed they would win. After the competition ended, he believed that all involved and the national team had brought happiness to the country, changing the atmosphere instantly—from restaurants to social media. He thanked everyone, noting that during that time no one criticized the government; instead, posts celebrated the victory and what the team achieved for Thailand. He was even more pleased and initially wondered how best to express appreciation to the players, but the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports seemed to read his mind, asking if he had time in the next few days to meet the volleyball players. He replied he was always available and ready to attend anywhere. Being Thai is a source of pride, especially when the national anthem plays abroad. This time, the team themselves caused the Thai anthem to be played in China. He believes this strengthens their hearts. Skill is present, but sometimes in sports enthusiasm fluctuates; however, now with determination, everyone is ready to support the national women's volleyball team closely and hopes to see them bring further fame to Thailand. Securing the Olympic ticket is a great achievement. Preparation and caution are essential. Everyone has the spirit of a fighter, and that positive energy will drive success.
Offering full support and encouragement.
Anutin said they are ready to provide support. In the past, Thailand won no gold medals at the Asian Games or Olympics until sports like boxing and weightlifting began to emerge. They believe internal potential must be further developed, with the government and relevant agencies fully committed to achieving their goals. He and the Cabinet, on behalf of the government, particularly thanked Coach Ott, sharing an emotional connection with him. Most importantly, the successful athletes are expected to continue to achieve even more. The government will stand beside them and fully support them. They want the team to win for Thailand. The government aims for the word "Thailand" to be spoken about one million times worldwide, and the athletes are part of making Thailand internationally recognized.
Meanwhile, the volleyball team presented a volleyball signed by all players to the Prime Minister, who then demonstrated setting and underhand passing with team captain Pornpann Kerdpradap, known as Nong Chompoo, creating a joyful atmosphere. After receiving the souvenir, Anutin instructed staff to create a display case for the ball as a keepsake to be placed at Government House.
After the ceremony, the athletes wished to present the championship trophy to the government for display. Anutin suggested making a replica trophy instead, as the original represents the team’s pride and should be kept at the Volleyball Association of Thailand. Additionally, the Prime Minister exchanged contact details with the athletes, saying, "Please send me the selfies and group photos you take."
Prize money totaling 14.7 million baht awarded to athletes.
Anutin then handed over prize money totaling approximately 14.7 million baht to the athletes and pressed the button to transfer the funds directly in real-time into the athletes' bank accounts. For those using Krungthai Bank, 600,000 baht was immediately credited, prompting cheers of joy as the players quickly checked their accounts.
This prize-giving honors and thanks the athletes, coaching staff, and all involved for their dedication in bringing happiness to the Thai people nationwide. It also reaffirms the government’s policy to continuously support Thai volleyball and its athletes through welfare, sports science, and related funding to further develop their potential.
