At SEA Games 33, the women’s volleyball gold medal race is shaping up to be a four-way battle among Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and host nation Thailand. However, history and current form point to a familiar final showdown: Vietnam versus Thailand.

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Thailand enters SEA Games 33 with their strongest lineup. Photo: V.A

The tournament draw placed Thailand in Group A alongside the Philippines and Singapore, while Group B features Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

Thailand enters the tournament with its strongest lineup. Head coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai recently named a star-studded squad featuring elite hitters like jcharaporn Kongyot, Chatchu-on Moksri, Sasipapron Janthawisut, Kuttika Kaewpin, and Warisara Seetalert.

Their opposite spiker is Pimpichaya Kokram, while middle blockers include Thatdao Nuekjang, Hattaya Bamrungsuk, Wimonrat Thanaphan, and Kanyarat Kunmueang. Setters Pornpun Guedpard and Natthanicha Jaisaen will orchestrate the play, with Piyanut Pannoy and Kallyarat Kamwong taking charge as liberos.

This is largely the same squad that played two legs of the SEA V-League in August and has remained consistent over the past year.

Unlike Vietnam, whose approach emphasizes building toward future success, Thailand has set a clear goal: to win gold in both the men’s and women’s events on home soil. The Thai women’s team has reached 14 consecutive finals since 1995 - and won gold every time. This unprecedented record has made them the undisputed queens of Southeast Asian volleyball.

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Thanh Thuy and her teammates are brimming with confidence. Photo: V.A

However, this time, Thailand is genuinely wary of Vietnam. Over the past two years, Vietnam’s women’s team has shown remarkable progress, and for the first time, the Thais have reason to be nervous.

Their concern was somewhat eased by the absence of Vietnam’s star attacker Bich Tuyen. The powerful 2000-born spiker famously scored 45 points to help Vietnam defeat Thailand for the first time in the second leg of the SEA V-League 2025.

Nonetheless, Thailand remains cautious. Star outside hitter Pornpun remarked, “We can’t underestimate Vietnam. Even without Bich Tuyen, they still have many strong players.”

Indeed, Vietnam’s lineup includes formidable names such as Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, Tran Thi Bich Thuy, Vi Thi Nhu Quynh, as well as in-form athletes like Kim Thanh, Lam Oanh, Kieu Trinh, and Khanh Dang.

The victory over Thailand in the SEA V-League gave coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet and his squad immense confidence. While SEA Games and SEA V-League are different arenas, Thanh Thuy and her teammates are more determined than ever to dethrone Thailand at SEA Games 33.

Dai Nam