Bangkok: The Thai women’s volleyball team held their first practice session as they prepare to compete in four major tournaments in 2025. “Coach Oat” Kiattipong Rachatakeangkrai, who recently returned as head coach, emphasized that the team’s selection was based on the athletes’ true potential.
According to Thai News Agency, 16 out of the 28 members of the Thai women’s national volleyball team participated in a physical fitness test and joined a training camp at the Sports Science Center, Sports Authority of Thailand. This training is a preparatory step for their participation in international tournaments next year. The training camp was overseen by Coach Kiattipong, with Mr. Somporn Usibangyang, President of the Volleyball Association of Thailand, present to motivate the athletes.
The camp primarily includes rising stars who excelled in the recently concluded Thailand League Volleyball Tournament. Key players in this group are ‘Baitei’ Natthima Kupkaew, ‘Nok’ Wiranyupa Inchan, ‘Guitar’ Warunee Karum, ‘Bow’ Kanyarat Khunmuang, ‘Fern’ Warisara Sritalet, ‘Kaep Moo’ Supawadee Panwilai, ‘Piano’ Natrika Wasan, and ‘Kafiw’ Natnicha Sae Lao.
Meanwhile, the 12 main players are currently engaged with their clubs abroad. These include ‘Bumbim’ Chatchu-on Moksri, ‘Piew’ Atcharaporn Kongyot, ‘Ufa’ Dolporn Sinpho, ‘Beam’ Pimpichaya Kokram, ‘Mome’ Thanatcha Suksod, ‘Nan’ Thatdao Nuekjang, ‘Toey’ Hatthaya Bamrungsuk, ‘Kai’ Wimonrat Thanaphan, and ‘Chompoo’ Pornphan Kerdprachaya.
Coach Kiattipong mentioned that the team is preparing for several competitions this year, including the U21 and U19 World Championships and the U16 Asian Championships. He highlighted the continuous effort to develop the athletes’ potential, with several players showing significant improvement. The coach is also in touch with overseas players in America, Japan, and South Korea regarding their development and integration into the national team.
‘Mod’ Wipawee Srithong is currently recovering from an injury and may miss the Nations League and World Championships, but her fitness for the SEA Games will be reassessed. Pimpichaya Kokram and Thanatcha Suksod have demonstrated strong performances in the South Korean league, which bodes well for the national team’s future.
Coach Kiattipong reassured that the selection of the 28 athletes was based on their potential, and those who were not selected still have opportunities to prove themselves for future inclusion. He is committed to selecting the best and most suitable players for the national team.
The Thai women’s volleyball team will participate in international competitions in 2025, including the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Nations League, the C V League, the FIVB Volleyball World Championship Women, and the 33rd SEA Games.