The Thailand women's national volleyball team had to exert themselves until the deciding set before narrowly edging out Vietnam in a heart-stopping finish to claim their 17th championship.
On 15 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the women's volleyball final of the 2025 SEA Games took place at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok. Host nation and 16-time champions Thailand faced 11-time runners-up Vietnam amid a packed crowd of volleyball fans.
In the semifinals, Thailand showed strong form by beating Indonesia 3-0 sets, while Vietnam defeated the Philippines by the same score to advance to the final as expected.
Before this match, in their last five encounters, Thailand had won four times and Vietnam once. Vietnam's sole victory came at the 2025 CVL Stage 2, marking the first time in history Vietnam defeated Thailand, adding extra pressure and intensity to this final.
Thailand started the game with six players led by captain Chatchu-on Moksri, alongside Sasipaporn Janthawisut, Wimonrat Thanaphan, Pimpichaya Kokram, Thaddao Nukjaeng, and setter Pornpun Guedpard.
In the first set, Vietnam clearly got off to a better start with effective plays, ball control, and defense, while Thailand struggled with consistency and lacked sharp attacking momentum. Vietnam closed the set 25-19 to take a 1-0 lead.
In the second set, the Thai team quickly warmed up. Their offense, especially quick plays and middle attacks, scored continuously, overwhelming Vietnam 25-13 to tie the match 1-1.
Thailand maintained their form from the previous set in the third. Although Vietnam increased their defense with more blocks and saves, they still couldn't stop the home team's attacks. Thailand closed the set 25-18 to lead 2-1.
The fourth set was close again. Thailand led early, but Vietnam caught up and overtook them late in the set, winning 25-23 to even the match at 2-2, forcing a deciding fifth set.
The final set turned into an intense thriller. Vietnam led early, but Thailand fought back point by point, stretching the score into deuce amid a tense crowd. Then, Pimpichaya Kokram served a decisive ace at a moment when Vietnam had exhausted their challenge requests, allowing Thailand to clinch the set 25-23.
The match ended with Thailand defeating Vietnam 3-2 sets (19-25, 25-13, 25-18, 23-25, and 25-23).
This victory crowned the Thailand women's national volleyball team as 17-time SEA Games champions in grand fashion. Despite a hard-fought battle, it reaffirmed Thailand's undisputed position as the queen of ASEAN volleyball.