Bangkok, Thailand, September 7, 2026: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hosted the Thai women’s national volleyball team at Government House following their historic victory at the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in Tianjin, China, which secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Prime Minister Anutin expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment, remarking that the national celebration provided a brief respite from political criticism as public sentiment turned overwhelmingly positive overnight, Thai PBS World reports.
He commended the athletes for flying the national flag high, noting how deeply moving it was to hear the Thai national anthem played on foreign soil in China. He pledged full government backing for further upgrades to sports infrastructure, science and welfare systems across all disciplines.
During the visit, the national team presented Anutin with a volleyball signed by all the players.
In a lighthearted moment, the Prime Minister showcased his own skills by setting and underhand-passing the ball with team captain Pornpun Guedpard, creating a warm and lively atmosphere in the Purple Room of the Thai Khu Fah Building.
Demonstrating direct support, the Prime Minister authorised real-time financial rewards totalling over 14.7 million baht, to be disbursed immediately into the bank accounts of the athletes.
He instructed officials to build a display box for the signed ball, which will be kept at Government House, while politely declining the team's offer to leave the championship trophy behind, stating the original trophy belonged at the association as a badge of pride for the players.
Speaking to reporters later, Anutin reiterated the government's commitment to developing Thai athletes into top-tier global contenders.
He revealed that the team is scheduled to depart for Japan for a training camp, ahead of the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, asking the public to offer their moral support as several players continue to manage physical fatigue and lingering injuries.
(Thai PBS World)
