BANGKOK — 18 June 2026, Thailand’s women’s volleyball team produced a stunning comeback from six points down in the opening set before sweeping Bulgaria 3-0 to claim their first victory of the Volleyball Nations League 2026 (VNL 2026).
Thailand appeared to be in trouble early in the match as Bulgaria surged ahead 19-13 in the first set. However, the hosts refused to back down, mounting a remarkable fightback to draw level at 19-19 before completing the turnaround and taking the set 25-22.
Playing in front of home fans during Week 2 of the tournament at Indoor Stadium Huamark, Thailand, ranked 25th in the world, faced 22nd-ranked Bulgaria on 18 June 2026 at 20:30 hrs.
Head coach Kiatipong Radchatagriengkai made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match, fielding Pornpun Guedpard, Thatdao Nuekjang, Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Pimpichaya Kokram, Wimonrat Thanaphan, and Sasipaporn Chanthawisut, with Kanyarat Khamwong as libero.
With confidence soaring after the comeback, Thailand edged another tightly contested second set 25-20 to move within one set of victory.
The third set remained competitive in the early stages, but Thailand’s attack, led by Sasipaporn Chanthawisut, proved too strong. The hosts pulled away to seal the set 25-17 and complete a straight-sets victory.
Thailand won 25-22, 25-20, 25-17 for their first win of VNL 2026, collecting three valuable points and increasing their tally to six points.