BANGKOK — The Thai Cabinet has approved a 1.124 billion baht ($33.75 million) budget for hosting the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship 2025, as proposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. They expects nearly 8.5 billion baht ($255 million) economic boost from popular tournament.
The approval came during the Cabinet meeting on May 13, with officials highlighting that hosting this prestigious event will generate spending from viewers worldwide. The funding will come from the National Sports Development Fund, broadcast rights for domestic and international coverage, ticket sales, and central government reserves.
The championship, one of volleyball’s most prestigious international events, will run from August 22 to September 7, 2025. It will bring together 32 of the world’s top women’s national teams competing across four Thai cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The tournament will feature teams from five continents — three from Africa, four from Asia, 16 from Europe, six from the NORCECA region, and three from South America. Major volleyball powers including the USA, China, Japan, Brazil, Türkiye, Italy, the Netherlands, and reigning champions Serbia will compete alongside host nation Thailand.
Volleyball enthusiasts worldwide will be able to watch live coverage on VBTV and Volleyball World’s YouTube Channel.
“Hosting the championship aligns perfectly with the ‘Grand Sports’ series of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025,” said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. “It boosts Thailand’s global image, allows local fans to witness world-class volleyball, and is expected to generate over 8.5 billion baht through tourism spending and worldwide media exposure, reaching more than 1.3 billion viewers.”
Host Cities Showcase Thailand’s Sporting Legacy
Each host city brings its own unique sporting heritage and cultural appeal to the championship.
- Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, has previously hosted four Asian Games, the World University Games, and major volleyball events including the 2024 VNL Women’s Finals.
- Chiang Mai, the country’s second-largest city, hosted the 1995 Women’s Asian Championship and welcomed both the Southeast Asia Volleyball League and Beach Pro Tour in 2023.
- Nakhon Ratchasima, considered a volleyball heartland in Thailand, has previously hosted the Asian Club Championship, the 2019 U19 World Championship, and several Olympic qualifying tournaments.
- Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, brings a strong beach volleyball tradition, having hosted multiple FIVB World Tour tournaments and the 2021 U19 and U21 World Championships.
Sustainability Focus
Thailand is implementing a “Green Heart Event” sustainability model for the tournament, focusing on waste reduction, resource conservation, and eco-friendly operations throughout the championship.
“This tournament reflects the Five Grand Concepts of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 — Grand Festivity, Grand Moment, Grand Privilege, Grand Invitation, and Grand Celebration — positioning Thailand not just as a host but as a stage for remarkable memories,” said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
“It’s a chance to showcase Thai culture, warm hospitality, and our ability to deliver sustainable global events. Each city is ready, and we anticipate strong international travel from fans who know Thailand always delivers.”
Part of Broader Sports Calendar
The Women’s Volleyball World Championship is one component of Thailand’s ambitious sports calendar for 2025, which includes other major events such as the 33rd SEA Games in December, the 13th ASEAN Para Games in January 2026, the MotoGP PT Grand Prix, the Muaythai World Festival, the Honda LPGA Thailand, and a series of UTMB trail running races.
Volleyball enjoys significant popularity in Thailand as the nation’s second most-watched sport. The Thai women’s national team, consistently ranked among the world’s top 15, has a devoted fan base and will be a major draw as the country welcomes the international volleyball community.
The FIVB World Championship builds on momentum from other volleyball events in 2025, including the SEA V.League Final, marking a landmark year for Thai volleyball.
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