Thai volleyball leaders recognised for outstanding service as Women’s World Championship marks historic first in Thailand
Two of Thailand’s most respected volleyball leaders were honoured with the FIVB’s highest distinction on Saturday during the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship, the first edition of the tournament ever held in Southeast Asia.
Thailand Volleyball Association President Somporn Chaibangyang and Asian Volleyball Confederation Honorary Life Vice President Shanrit Wongprasert each received the FIVB Grand Cross in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the sport in Thailand, across Asia and around the world.
Created in 1998, the FIVB Grand Cross is awarded to those who have made an exceptional impact on volleyball and beach volleyball. This year’s presentation was led by FIVB President Fabio Azevedo during a special ceremony at Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok.
Under Somporn’s leadership, Thailand has risen to prominence on the international stage, with the women’s national team achieving historic success and inspiring a new generation of athletes. His work has strengthened the Thailand Volleyball Association and expanded opportunities for the sport nationwide.
He has served as president of the Thailand Volleyball Association since 2011 and was re-elected earlier this year for a sixth consecutive term. At 75, he also leads the Southeast Asia Volleyball Association and sits on the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Council. His latest mandate includes guiding Thailand’s preparations as host of the 2025 Women’s World Championship and continuing national youth programmes aimed at developing the next generation of players.
Shanrit’s decades of service within the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the wider international community established him as a key figure in regional development. His guidance in major competitions and support for national federations have left a lasting legacy across Asia.
Shanrit started in volleyball as a player, competing first as an outside hitter and later as a setter for the Thailand national team. After his playing career, he coached at university, club and national level before moving into administration. He went on to serve for 30 years as secretary general of the Thailand Volleyball Association and joined the FIVB Board of Administration in 1992, while also holding senior positions in the Asian Volleyball Confederation.
He later became Executive Director of the AVC and was named Honorary Life President of both the Asian and Thailand Volleyball Associations. His long service was recognised with the Olympic Council of Asia’s Merit Award in 2019, and in 2023 he was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, the first Thai to receive the honour.
The awards were presented during the 20th edition of the Women’s World Championship, which has brought world-class teams to compete across four host cities in Thailand. The tournament marks a milestone for the sport, showcasing both the passion of Southeast Asian fans and the nation’s ability to stage top-tier international events.
The recognition of Somporn and Shanrit added to the success of a historic World Championship in Thailand, underscoring their lasting influence on the sport and the country’s importance in volleyball’s rise across Asia and around the world.
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