Somphorn has confirmed that the Thai women's volleyball team will be without three key players during the first stage of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The event is set to begin soon.
On 24 May 2026, at the Jaturat Room of the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel in Bangkok, Mr. Somphorn Chaibangyang, president of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, presided over the opening of the 2026 Thai Volleyball Family Day event titled “United, Moving Forward Together.” The event was held to express gratitude to coaches, Thai national volleyball players both indoor and beach volleyball across all age groups, as well as personnel and supporters who contributed to the association's successful activities throughout 2026, bringing honor to Thailand.
The event was attended by Air Force Squadron Leader Charnrit Wongprasert, honorary secretary and chairman of the Volleyball Association of Thailand's executive committee, former and current national team players, coaching staff, and representatives of sponsors, all gathered in large numbers.
During the event, awards were presented to both senior and youth players, as well as coaches, who collectively brought honor to the nation through sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication. Prize money totaling over 10 million baht from the association and the National Sports Development Fund was awarded to the athletes and coaches.
Particularly notable was the women's indoor team, which achieved outstanding results such as winning the gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games, securing the 2025 SEA V.League championship, and finishing 13th at the 2025 Women's Volleyball World Championship.
Meanwhile, the men's indoor team also won the 2025 SEA Games, showing continuous improvement in their performance. Additionally, Mr. Dissakorn Kunthorn, president of the Playground Foundation for Intellectual Development, was appointed honorary president of the Volleyball Association of Thailand in recognition of his support in helping the association bring prestige to the country.
Mr. Somphorn Chaibangyang, president of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, said the association organized the 2026 Thai Volleyball Family Day event, “United, Moving Forward Together,” to create a sense of warmth within the volleyball family and to express gratitude to benefactors and to award coaches and players who represented Thailand in various international competitions throughout the year. He also thanked other personnel who dedicated themselves with sacrifice and perseverance, contributing to the smooth and successful operation of the association's work, bringing great honor to the nation.
The association president added that they strive to provide as many awards as possible to encourage the athletes, though this year the prize money might be limited due to the large budget spent on hosting the 2025 Women's Volleyball World Championship. Nevertheless, all athletes understand and take pride in representing the country, and the association will continue to do its best to care for the players.
Regarding preparations for the Thai women's volleyball team for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), set to begin in the first week in China from 3 to 7 June, all players returning from abroad have arrived. About 30 players have been called for training camp, which will be narrowed down to about 20 players according to the quota in preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.
There may be an additional 1–2 players held in reserve to replace any athletes who might get injured during the lengthy Nations League competition. Also, some promising young players will be prepared and given experience in world-level competitions to be ready to succeed the senior players in the future.
As for injured players, especially key figures such as Chatchu-on Moksri, Hatthaya Bamrungsuk, and Wiphawee Srithong, they will have to rest and will not compete in the first stage of the 2026 VNL. The Sports Authority of Thailand's medical and sports science teams will treat their injuries to help them recover. It is expected that they might return to competition in weeks 2 or 3, though not yet at full capacity. The association will do its utmost to ensure their full recovery and readiness.