Vietnamese women's volleyball is rapidly closing the gap with Thailand, but there are crucial lessons to be learned from their long-standing neighbor and regional powerhouse.

Thailand’s rise in world volleyball

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Thailand’s women’s volleyball team can now face world-class opponents. Photo: TVA

The 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship opened in Thailand with special significance for Southeast Asia. For the first time in history, Vietnam is participating in this prestigious event, while host Thailand is a familiar name at many world finals.

Though both teams hail from the same region, their trajectories and achievements diverge significantly - offering a valuable case study for Vietnam.

Thailand has spent more than two decades steadily building its position. From a team once considered an underdog, they’ve emerged as a dominant force in Asia, thanks to a sustainable foundation.

That includes a comprehensive youth training system, modern competition strategies, and the effective nurturing of generations of top-tier athletes such as Wilavan Apinyapong (2001–2021), Nootsara Tomkom (2001–2021; 2023), and Pleumjit Thinkaow (2001–2021) - the latter two even played professionally in Vietnam at one point.

As a result, Thailand has not only dominated the SEA Games but also won three Asian championships (most recently in 2023), and even defeated global volleyball giants like Turkey and Brazil in international tournaments.

Vietnam, on the other hand, is only now entering the World Championship stage. Although the national team has delivered impressive performances at the SEA Games, it still lacks a solid foundation to compete consistently at the continental and global levels.

Challenges remain, such as limited physical height, insufficient exposure to international competitions, and a lack of top-level match experience.

Still, this debut at the World Championship - hosted in Thailand - is a historic milestone and an opportunity to assess how far Vietnam must go. Thailand just beat Egypt 3-1 in their opening match, underscoring their seasoned level of play.

What makes the comparison even more compelling is that both countries come from sporting systems without the deep financial or structural resources of Japan or China.

Thailand has proven that Southeast Asian women's volleyball can succeed on the global stage, giving Vietnam every reason to believe it can follow a similar path.

A roadmap from a successful neighbor

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Thailand’s 20-year journey is a lesson in success for Vietnam. Photo: TVA

Thailand’s success offers Vietnam at least three key lessons.

First, a national-scale youth training system is essential. Relying on a few major clubs is not enough. A widespread talent discovery and development network across all regions must be built.

Second, international integration is crucial. Thai players have played in multiple leagues across Europe and Japan, allowing them to develop quickly and gain valuable exposure.

Vietnam must boldly send its athletes abroad, rather than confining them to domestic leagues.

Third, patience and belief in long-term vision are vital. Thailand experienced multiple failures in World Championship qualifiers before achieving their breakthrough.

Though the journey is difficult, Vietnam must stay the course and resist the temptation of short-term goals.

At this year's World Championship, comparing Vietnam’s results with Thailand’s may not be realistic. Thailand is aiming for a quarterfinal berth on home soil, while Vietnam’s more modest target is a win against Kenya.

However, this difference in ambition is not discouraging - it serves as a reminder that Vietnam is currently where Thailand once was. Learning from a nearby example may be the fastest way to close the gap.

Thailand’s success over the past 20 years didn’t come by chance - it’s the outcome of a long-term strategy and discipline. Vietnam’s participation this year is not just historic; it marks the beginning of a learning journey.

In the next decade, Vietnamese fans may very well hope that Thailand’s current story will become Vietnam’s story tomorrow.

Ngoc Huy