Anutin joked, thanking the Thai women's volleyball team for preventing anyone from criticizing the government.
At 10:30 a.m. in the Purple Room of the Thai Khu Fah Building at Government House, Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Pancharoenworakul and Deputy Prime Minister responsible for sports, Songsak Thongsri, brought the Thai women's national volleyball team—2026 Asian champions and qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—to meet Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin. They congratulated the team and held a ceremony to press the button to transfer prize money in real-time directly to athletes’ accounts. The government, through the National Sports Development Fund, awarded over 14 million baht for winning the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship. 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; Somporn Chaibangyang, President of the Volleyball Association of Thailand; and Air Force Sergeant Major Kiatpong Ratchakriangkrai, or Coach Ott, head coach of the women's national volleyball team, along with the coaching staff.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul gave a speech to the Thai women's national volleyball team and presented prize money and commemorative gifts on the occasion of their 2026 Asian Championship victory and first-ever qualification for the 2028 Olympics, with a total value of about 14.7 million baht. He also pressed the button to transfer prize money in real-time directly to the athletes’ bank accounts.
The Prime Minister jokingly thanked the Asian champion Thai women's volleyball team for causing Thai people to flood social media with congratulatory posts, so much so that during that time no one criticized the government.
Volleyball Association president says success is the result of over 40 years of continuous planning.
Minister Surasak said on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Sports Authority of Thailand that he thanked the Prime Minister for honoring them by presiding over the prize-giving ceremony and congratulating the athletes and those involved for their success in the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship.
Meanwhile, Somporn said it took 40 years of continuous planning with clear, concrete development plans set for short, medium, and long terms aimed at Olympic qualification. The goal was set back in 1997, targeting the 2004 Athens Olympics, which was not achieved, but the team remained determined and continuously developed. They had multiple chances to qualify, faced setbacks and disappointment but never lost confidence or effort. Eventually, the athletes and their team united to reach their goal and fulfill their dream on 30 August. Moving forward, development must continue by building athletes generation by generation. Thanks go to the government’s Prime Minister’s Youth project, which complements and plays a vital role in developing grassroots children and youth to the national level. We firmly believe in the volleyball family’s power to do our part and represent Thai people with excellence.
Prime Minister thanks the team for bringing happiness to Thai people.
Prime Minister Anutin said he was very happy upon hearing the news on the night of 30 August while still in the provinces. Everyone believed that the team would bring joy to Thai people. He followed the news and saw the team's form on that day and was confident they would win. After the match ended, he believed the athletes and those involved had sent happiness to the Thai people nationwide. The atmosphere changed instantly—in restaurants and on social media. He expressed deep thanks, noting that during that time no one criticized the government; everyone posted joyful congratulations for the victory and what the team had done for Thailand. He felt even happier and at first wondered how to express his appreciation to the team, but then the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports seemed to read his mind and asked if he had time in the next two to three days to meet the volleyball players. He replied that he was never too busy, was waiting, and would go anywhere. Being Thai, especially when abroad hearing the Thai national anthem, fills us with pride, but this time the team themselves triggered the playing of the Thai anthem on Chinese soil. He believes this strengthens our hearts. Skill is present, but sometimes in sports, players get overly excited or hesitant. He trusts that from now on the team’s hearts will be focused. Everyone is ready to support the Thai women's volleyball team wholeheartedly and wants to see them bring honor to Thailand. The Olympic qualification is a great achievement that requires preparation and caution. Everyone has the fighting spirit that brings great positive energy leading to success.
Fully supporting the team.
Anutin said the government is ready to support. In the past, Thailand won no gold medals at the Asian Games or Olympics until sports like boxing and weightlifting grew. We believe we must further develop internal potential. The government and all relevant agencies prioritize this and are ready to do everything to achieve our goals. He and the Cabinet thank Coach Ott especially and feel personally connected with him. Most importantly, he believes the athletes will continue achieving greater success. We will stand by and fully support them. We want the team to win for Thailand. The government wants the word "Thailand" to be spoken about one million times worldwide, and the team plays a part in making Thailand known internationally.
The volleyball team presented a volleyball signed by all the players to the Prime Minister, who then set and underhand served the ball to Ms. Pornpann Kerdpradap, or Nong Chompoo, the team captain, creating a joyful atmosphere. After receiving the commemorative item, Anutin instructed his team to make a display case for the ball to keep as a memento and place it in Government House. After the ceremony ended,
The athletes wished to give the trophy to the government for display, but Anutin suggested making a replica instead, as the original trophy is a symbol of pride for the athletes to keep at the Volleyball Association of Thailand. The Prime Minister also exchanged contacts with the athletes, saying, "Please send me the selfies and group photos."
Awarding 14.7 million baht prize money to athletes.
Then, Anutin presented prize money totaling about 14.7 million baht to the athletes and pressed the button to transfer the funds in real-time directly to their accounts. Those using Krung Thai Bank received 600,000 baht instantly, causing the athletes to cheer and quickly check their accounts.
However, this prize-giving was to honor and thank the athletes, coaching staff, and all involved for their dedication in bringing happiness to all Thai people. It also reaffirmed the government's policy to continuously promote volleyball and Thai athletes through welfare, sports science, and related budgets to further enhance athletes’ potential.