Thailand begin their FIVB Women's Nations League 2026 campaign with a match against Serbia on Wednesday.
Placed in Pool 3 for the first week of action in Nanjing, China, coach Kiatipong Ratchatakriengkrai's team will play the hosts in the second match on Thursday, followed by matches against Belgium on Saturday and the Czech Republic on Sunday.
After a week break, the team will play Week 2 in Bangkok where they will face Ukraine on June 17, Bulgaria on June 18, Canada on June 20 and the Netherlands on June 21, with all the matches taking place at 8.30pm.
The team will face the United States (July 8), Japan (July 9), Brazil (July 11) and Turkey (July 12) in Week 3 in Osaka, Japan.
Fifteen players have been named for the first week in China. They are Pornpun Guedpard (captain), Natthanicha Jaisaen, Piyanut Pannoy, Kalyarat Khamwong, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Sasipaporn Chanthawhisut, Warisara Seetaloed, Nannaphat Moonjakham, Kantima Aekpatcha, Thatdao Nuekjang, Wimonrat Thanapan, Kaewkalaya Kamulthala, Kanyarat Khunmuang, Pimpichaya Kokram and Papatchaya Phonthom.
The team's three main stars -- outside hitters Chatchu-on Moksri, Wipawee Srithong and middle blocker Hattaya Bamrungsuk -- were left out due to injuries.
The trio are expected to be back for Week 2 and 3, according to volleyball chief Somporn Chaibangyang.
The 2026 VNL features 18 teams competing across three weeks, with the seven best-placed teams advancing to the finals round along with a host nation, who earns automatic qualification.
The 18 teams include defending champions and top-ranked Italy, runners-up Brazil, Poland, Japan, China, Turkey, Germany, the United States, France, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Bulgaria, Belgium, Serbia, Canada, Thailand and Ukraine.
Thailand's best result in the VNL tournament was in 2022 when they qualified for the finals with a record of five wins and eight losses. In 2024 Thailand qualified for the finals as host country after finishing in 13th place with three wins and nine losses.
The team narrowly avoided relegation last year, earning a point in the last match after taking two sets off Canada to remain in the elite competition. They ended the tournament with six points from one win and 11 losses, finishing just one point above last-placed South Korea, who lost to France 3-0.
