Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he was overwhelmed with pride after the country’s women’s volleyball team secured a historic ticket to the 2028 Olympics, saying their achievement had brought happiness to more than 70 million Thais around the world.
Speaking at Parliament at 08:50 on 31 August, Anutin praised the team after they defeated China 3-2 in the final of the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Asian Championship on Sunday.
Anutin said he was particularly moved when he watched the players sing the Thai national anthem after their victory.
“I was so happy, extremely happy. When I saw our volleyball players singing the Thai national anthem, I couldn’t describe the feeling,” he said.
“Hearing our national anthem being played gave me goosebumps. I felt a lump in my throat.”
Anutin compared the moment to hearing Thailand’s national anthem during his overseas diplomatic trips, which he said always made him feel proud and energized.
“But when I travel abroad, there are no more than 50 people in the delegation. This time, they brought happiness to more than 70 million Thai people in the country, as well as Thais around the world,” he said.
The prime minister thanked the players and said their achievement demonstrated Thailand’s potential on the international stage.
“Thailand is not out of sight, nor is it a country without potential,” Anutin said.
He said the achievement showed that promoting Thailand’s image was not solely the government’s responsibility, as Thai athletes could also bring recognition and pride to the country.
“Going to the Olympics is no ordinary achievement. It is a dream for everyone,” he said.
Anutin said the government had a duty to support talented people, particularly young people, and help them reach their goals.
“Today I feel even more relieved because we have gone all the way,” he said, using the Thai expression “ไปสุดซอย” (Pai Sud Soi) to emphasize that the team had achieved the ultimate goal.
He also pledged that the government would provide the team with its full support and reward.
The victory marked Thailand’s first-ever qualification for the Olympic women’s volleyball tournament, with the team set to compete at LA 2028.