Proud moments captured! The Thai women's volleyball team joyfully receives the gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games, concluding a dramatic five-set battle. They celebrate the thrilling conclusion of this intense match.
On 15 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the women's volleyball competition at the Southeast Asian Games reached its grand finale at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok. The Thai women's national team, hosts and record gold medal holders, faced Vietnam, 11-time runners-up, amid a packed crowd of enthusiastic volleyball fans.
Before the final, Thailand showed strong form by defeating Indonesia 3-0 in the semifinals, while Vietnam overcame the Philippines by the same score. This set up a fourth consecutive final showdown between the two teams, following meetings in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
This match carried extra pressure, as Thailand had won 4 of the last 5 encounters. Vietnam's sole recent victory was at the 2025 CVL, marking their first-ever win over Thailand, making the final highly anticipated.
Thailand started with six key players led by captain Chatchu-on Moksri, supported by Sasipaporn Janthawisut, Wimonrat Thanaphan, Pimphichaya Kokram, Thaddao Nukjaeng, and crucial setter Pornpun Guedpard.
The game was evenly matched from the start. Vietnam took the first set 1-0, but Thailand rallied to lead 2-1. Vietnam then leveled at 2-2, forcing a decisive fifth set that became a nail-biting drama, extending into deuce amid intense cheers and pressure from the home crowd.
At the critical moment, Pimphichaya Kokram served a decisive ace, while Vietnam had exhausted their challenge options. Thailand clinched the final set 25-23, winning the match 3-2 (19-25, 25-13, 25-18, 23-25, and 25-23) over Vietnam.
As the final point ended, scenes of joy spread throughout the stadium. The Thai players embraced with smiles and tears of pride before gracefully receiving their 17th SEA Games gold medal amidst the national anthem and thunderous applause.
This achievement further cements Thailand's status as the dominant force in ASEAN women's volleyball, holding the record for the most gold medals since the competition began in 1977, maintaining their queenly throne despite a hard-fought battle.
