Thai National Volleyball Teams Meet Defense Minister Natthaphon Nakpanich Ahead of SEA Games

The Thai national volleyball teams, both men’s and women’s, preparing for the SEA Games, paid a courtesy visit to General Natthaphon Nakpanich, Minister of Defense, seeking encouragement before competing for gold medals at the 33rd SEA Games.

Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, led the men's and women's national volleyball teams preparing for the 33rd SEA Games, which Thailand is hosting, in a visit to pay respects to General Natthaphon Nakpanich, Minister of Defense, at the Surasakmontri Room in the Ministry of Defense on 4 Dec.

The women's team is led by "Bumbim" Chatchu-on Moksri, team captain, while the men's team is led by Sergeant Major Amorntep Konhan, a star player. Accompanying them are “Coach Ott” Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai, technical director and head coach of the women's national volleyball team, and “Coach Park” Park Ki-won, head coach of the men's national volleyball team.

General Natthaphon Nakpanich, Minister of Defense, praised the Volleyball Association for consistently bringing honor to the country and encouraged the Thai volleyball players, noting he has closely followed the team's performances, especially the women's team. He wished the Thai volleyball teams success in the SEA Games and hoped they would bring pride to Thailand.

Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Volleyball Association, said that most Thai volleyball players, especially men’s indoor and beach teams, are military personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force—more than 16 players. Therefore, the association saw it as a good opportunity to bring both military and civilian athletes to meet and pay respects to the Minister of Defense to boost morale. The minister encouraged the players, having followed their competitions closely, and pledged support, particularly for military personnel. He also expressed willingness to assist athletes in joining military service as appropriate. The teams are committed to doing their best in the SEA Games to win gold medals.

In the SEA Games volleyball competition, the Thai women's team will open their campaign against Singapore on 10 December at 17:30, followed by a match against the Philippines on 11 December at 17:30.

The men’s team competition begins on 13 December with a match against Singapore at 17:30, followed by Laos on 14 December at 12:30, and Vietnam on 16 December at 17:30.