The recent conclusion of the Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V League) saw Thailand`s men`s national team secure a commendable second-place finish, a testament to their unwavering dedication and the strategic support they`ve received. While the top spot ultimately went to powerhouse Indonesia, Thailand`s journey through two gruelling tournaments highlighted their growing prowess and competitive spirit in the region.
A Season of Strategic Battles
The 2025 SEA V League was not merely a series of matches; it was a strategic gauntlet spread across two distinct tournaments, testing the resilience and adaptability of five national teams. From the vibrant courts of Candon, Philippines, to the fervent atmosphere in Jakarta, Indonesia, teams vied for supremacy, creating a narrative of intense rivalries and remarkable comebacks.
Thailand’s campaign began impressively, clinching the first tournament in the Philippines with a strong 3-1 win-loss record. They navigated victories against Indonesia, the host Philippines, and Cambodia, only stumbling once against a determined Vietnam squad. This early success set a high benchmark, signalling Thailand`s intent to be a formidable contender.
The Jakarta Challenge: A Test of Nerve
The second leg in Jakarta presented a new set of challenges and intensified rivalries. Thailand kicked off with a four-set win over Cambodia, seemingly maintaining their momentum. However, a re-match with Vietnam proved to be another hurdle, as the Thai team succumbed in a thrilling tie-breaker, underscoring the parity among the top contenders in the league.
The subsequent fixtures were a masterclass in endurance, featuring two back-to-back five-set marathons. Thailand emerged victorious from a nail-biting encounter against the Philippines, setting the stage for a climactic showdown against hosts Indonesia. This final match was not just for the tournament title but for the overall league championship. In a testament to Indonesian home advantage and sheer grit, the hosts narrowly edged out Thailand with a 3-2 victory (27-29, 25-15, 25-23, 22-25, 15-13). This heart-stopping defeat, while denying Thailand the top spot, solidified their position as the league`s valiant runners-up, finishing with an overall 5-3 record and 16 points, just two points shy of Indonesia`s 18.
The Power of Empowerment: FIVB`s Impact
Thailand`s consistent performance is not accidental; it’s a direct reflection of strategic investment and development. The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program has played a crucial role, allocating a significant USD 210,000 towards coach support for the men’s national team. This vital funding has enabled the team to train under the esteemed guidance of legendary Korean player and coach, Park Ki-Won. His expertise has undoubtedly been instrumental in honing the team`s tactics and raising their competitive ceiling.
Beyond coaching, the program has also provided USD 138,000 worth of essential volleyball equipment, ensuring that Thai athletes have the necessary tools to train effectively and compete at the highest level. This comprehensive support from FIVB underscores a long-term vision for elevating the standard of volleyball in developing nations, and Thailand`s recent success stands as a clear vindication of this investment.
Individual Brilliance and Team Recognition
While team success is paramount, individual brilliance often shines through, and the SEA V League recognized several standout players. Thailand`s 29-year-old opposite, Amornthep Khonhan, was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the first tournament, showcasing his pivotal role in their initial triumph.
The Dream Teams, selected for each tournament, featured a roster of the league`s top talents:
First Tournament Dream Team:
- Setter: Jasen Natanael Kilanta (Indonesia)
- Opposite: Leo Ordiales (Philippines)
- Outside Hitters: Nguyen Ngoc Thuan (Vietnam), Arabi Boy Arnez (Indonesia)
- Middle Blockers: Kissada Nilsawai (Thailand), Tran Duy Tuyen (Vietnam)
- Libero: Tanapat Charoensuk (Thailand)
Second Tournament Dream Team:
- MVP: Boy Arnez Arabi (Indonesia)
- Setter: Jasen Natanael Kilanta (Indonesia)
- Opposite: Rivan Nurmulki (Indonesia)
- Outside Hitter: Nguyen Ngoc Thuan (Vietnam)
- Middle Blockers: Tran Duy Tuyen (Vietnam), Kissada Nilsawai (Thailand)
- Libero: Josh Ybanez (Philippines)
The repeated inclusion of Thailand’s Kissada Nilsawai in both Dream Teams further highlights the consistent high-level performance delivered by the Thai contingent. His presence, alongside the MVP nod for Khonhan, speaks volumes about the quality emerging from the Thai volleyball program.
Thailand’s second-place finish in the SEA V League is more than just a statistic; it’s a narrative of resilience, strategic development, and the burgeoning talent within Southeast Asian volleyball. While the ultimate championship eluded them by the narrowest of margins, their performance signals a promising future. With continued empowerment and dedicated coaching, the Thai men’s national team is clearly on an upward trajectory, poised to challenge for top honours in regional and potentially broader international competitions. The volleyball world watches with anticipation.
Rupert Caldwell