Thai PM hails Olympic-bound volleyball team: ‘It gave me goosebumps’

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed immense pride after Thailand's women's volleyball team achieved a historic qualification for the 2028 Olympics. Speaking at Parliament on August 31, Anutin praised the team following their 3-2 victory over China in the final of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Asian Championship. He was particularly moved by the team's spontaneous singing of the Thai national anthem upon their triumph, remarking that it brought him goosebumps and a lump in his throat.

Anutin likened the moment to hearing Thailand's national anthem during his diplomatic trips abroad, which always filled him with pride and energy. However, he emphasized that this time, the entire nation - around 70 million Thais - was brought joy, not just a small delegation. The prime minister thanked the players and highlighted how the achievement demonstrated Thailand's untapped potential on the global stage.

He stated that promoting Thailand's image was not solely the government's responsibility, as the athletes themselves could bring recognition and pride to the country. Anutin reiterated the government's commitment to supporting talented individuals, especially young people, to help them reach their goals. He described the team's qualification as a dream for everyone and a testament to their hard work.

He used the Thai phrase "ไปสุดซอย" (Pai Sud Soi) to emphasize that the team had reached the ultimate goal. The victory marked Thailand's first-ever qualification for the Olympic women's volleyball tournament, with the team set to compete in LA 2028.