The group that carried Thailand through recent seasons remains largely intact for the Volleyball Nations League 2026. Alongside them, younger players have been brought into the national team setup, adding depth as the programme continues to develop with support from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Programme.
Thailand’s rise in the international game was built on the Fab Six – Pleumjit Thinkaow, Wilavan Apinyapong, Nootsara Tomkom, Onuma Sittirak, Malika Kanthong and Amporn Hyapha – whose style of play established the team as one of Asia’s most consistent performers.
Since their departure, the Magnificent Se7en – Piyanut Pannoy, Thatdao Nuekjang, Hattaya Bamrungsuk, Pornpun Guedpard, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Chatchu-On Moksri and Pimpichaya Kokram – have carried that identity forward, maintaining Thailand’s presence at the highest level while adapting to the demands of the game.
The transition has been tested in recent seasons. During the 2025 Volleyball Nations League, Thailand faced a decisive moment in their final match against Canada in Arlington. A five-set result, in which they secured two sets, provided the point required to avoid relegation and remain in the competition for 2026.
That outcome ensured continuity at the top level while the team continued to evolve. It also created space to introduce new players into the system without losing their place among the world’s leading teams.
Support through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Programme has been part of that process. A targeted project completed between 2024 and 2025 provided USD 84,000 in funding, allowing Thailand to bring back head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai and strengthen the development pathway for younger athletes, including the involvement of Olympic champion Feng Kun with the U19 programme.
Coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai is back at the helm for Thailand, leading a younger squad.
Earlier support also included USD 138,000 in equipment funding in 2023, contributing to Thailand’s hosting of the FIVB Women’s World Championship.
Those elements now feed directly into Thailand’s preparation for VNL 2026. The return of Coach Kiattipong has brought continuity to the team’s system, while the integration of younger players reflects the broader objective of sustaining performance beyond a single generation.
The structure of this year’s tournament also supports that approach. Thailand open their campaign in Nanjing, China from June 3 to 7, facing Serbia, hosts China, Belgium and Czechia. The second week from June 17 to 21, where they will play against Ukraine, Bulgaria, Canada and the Netherlands. The preliminary phase concludes in Osaka, Japan from July 8 to 12, when they will meet USA, Japan, Brazil and Türkiye.
Pimpichaya Kokram celebrates a point at the 2025 VNL.
Experienced leaders such as Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Chatchu-On Moksri and Pimpichaya Kokram remain central to the team’s offence, while younger plyers represent the next layer being developed within the system. Thailand’s 2026 campaign is about ensuring that the next generation is established at the highest level.
