On 14 November 2025, when mentioning sports that consistently bring joy and pride to the Thai people, the name "Thailand Women's National Volleyball Team" is among the first to be spoken of, thanks to their undeniable dominance in ASEAN, highlighted by an unmatched record of SEA Games gold medals.
Wilavan Apinyapong, or “Gift,” a former Thai women's national volleyball player and proud holder of nine SEA Games gold medals, recounted her athletic journey starting from her first national team selection in 2002 to becoming a legend who has transitioned to assistant coach of the current national squad and coach of the Tipyachonburi E-Tech club. In an interview with Thairath Sport, she revealed the true significance of the "SEA Games" for Thai volleyball and her mission to inspire younger players facing immense pressure.
Regarding the unique meaning of the "SEA Games" compared to global stages, Gift described her first experience competing at the 2003 SEA Games in Vietnam, noting a clear difference from other tournaments. Yet throughout her 18 years as a player, the word SEA Games has been inseparable from undeniable "pressure."
“When it comes to the SEA Games, everyone expects volleyball to bring home only the gold medal... The single task we received was to be champions. This differs from competing at the Asian Games or World Championships, where doing your best is considered success. But at the SEA Games, you must win the championship—there’s no room for failure.”
This feeling intensifies when the competition is held on home soil, such as in Korat. The expectations to “defend the title” and “win gold to be ASEAN champions” become powerful driving forces accompanied by heavy pressure, distinctly different from other international competitions.
Over her nine SEA Games appearances, each gold medal carried significance, but what Gift feels most proud of is having “maintained it for such a long time.”
“After retiring, looking back, it’s not easy for one person to win SEA Games gold nine consecutive times... What I’m proudest of, besides the championships, is that we sustained it over such a long period.”
The Thai women’s volleyball team’s record of 16 consecutive SEA Games gold medals (since 1995) has elevated the event beyond typical sports competitions. It has become the "face of the nation," a symbol everyone must fiercely protect, especially with the games returning to Thailand this time.
She admitted that currently, ASEAN rivals like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia have made significant strides, as they too aspire to be ASEAN champions.
“Our competitors have improved tremendously... Their governments and associations have not been idle; they are doing everything possible to develop their teams to defeat us. On the other hand, we haven’t stood still either.”
However, Gift views this positively as a good challenge for the new generation of players. As rivals rise, Thailand must "push itself further" to maintain its level and victories.
As assistant coach, Gift understands well the pressure the younger players bear and tries to communicate that pressure is part of every competition.
“What will help them overcome pressure is encouragement. I want the youngsters to transform pressure and these challenges into energy, building their strength to fight for all Thai people.”
She also emphasized the importance of support from all sectors, especially strengthening the professional league in Thailand through backing from both government and private entities, to develop grassroots talent, ensuring players receive professional care and improve their potential before entering the national team camp.
Though retired from the SEA Games since 2019 after a dignified farewell with her final gold medal in the Philippines, Wilavan’s fighting spirit remains alongside the Thai national team.
For this SEA Games hosted by Thailand, Gift left a message to all Thai volleyball fans:
“I want everyone to come together to send their cheers and support to the young Thai women’s volleyball players... This year, they carry considerable pressure, so I hope everyone will be there at the sidelines to encourage and cheer them on to win another gold medal.”
The SEA Games symbolize the unity of the nation, and the cheers of the Thai people are a vital "power" helping athletes overcome pressure and uphold the greatness of Thai women’s volleyball as planned.