Photo credit: PNVF, Grid Athletic Company, Mine
Jubilation! Thai players pose in a group photo while celebrating their gold medal
Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, July 13, 2025 – Thailand wrapped up their impressive campaign in Men’s Week 1 of the 5th SEA V League in commanding fashion, securing a straight-set victory (25-19, 25-22, 25-16) over debutants Cambodia in their final match on Sunday at the 8,000-seat Candon City Arena. The triumph not only sealed the Week 1 title for the world No.55 but also underscored their dominance throughout the five-day regional showcase.
For Thailand, the victory was particularly sweet, serving as payback for their shocking five-set loss to Cambodia in the do-or-die semifinals of the 2023 SEA Games. This win also marked their third consecutive triumph in the SEA V League campaign, solidifying their status as one of Southeast Asia’s premier men’s volleyball teams.
Since the tournament’s inception in 2023, Indonesia had clinched all two legs across the first two editions. However, Thailand disrupted that reign in 2024 by winning both the Philippines and Indonesia legs. The 2025 edition followed the same two-leg format, with Week 1 hosted in Candon City from July 9 to 13, and Week 2 set to unfold in Jakarta from July 16 to 20 at the Jakarta International Velodrome.
Thailand began their Week 1 campaign with a stunning upset of defending SEA Games champions Indonesia, prevailing in four fiercely contested sets (22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20) on July 9. A day later, they overwhelmed host nation Philippines in straight sets (25-16, 25-22, 26-24).
Despite their strong start, Thailand faltered against Vietnam on July 11, suffering a 1-3 loss (31-29, 22-25, 18-25, 20-25), which briefly knocked them from the top of the standings.
Refreshed after a rest day, Thailand returned to the court determined to make a statement in their final match against Cambodia, silver medallists at the 2023 SEA Games on their home soil. Led by left-handed captain Amornthep Konhan, seasoned middle blocker Kissada Nilsawai, and the explosive Chaiwat Thungkham, the Thai side delivered a performance that combined precision, power, and poise.
Amornthep, who was later named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, led a quartet of Thai scorers who reached double digits. He and outside hitter Chaiwat each tallied 15 points, while Anurak Phanram added 13, and Kissada, who was honored as Best Blocker, chipped in 10 points.
Cambodia’s captain Voeurn Veasna provided a valiant effort with 11 points (9 attacks and 2 blocks), but his team struggled to contain the Thai offense. Thailand led in every major scoring category: attacks (45–28), blocks (12–9), and service aces (2–0). Cambodia, however, benefited from more opponent errors (20–16).
In the day’s later fixture, Indonesia cruised past the Philippines in straight sets (25-19, 25-17, 25-17), powered by a commanding 21-point performance from Best Outside Hitter Boy Arnez Arabi, who struck 15 attacks, 2 blocks, and a tournament-best 4 aces. He was well supported by opposite Rama Fazza Fauzan, who added 11 points. Leo Ordiales led the Philippines with 12 points, all from attacks.
After the completion of the single round-robin competition on Sunday, Thailand topped the table with 9 points from 3 wins and 1 loss (to Vietnam). Indonesia followed closely with 8 points from 3 wins and 1 loss (to Thailand), while Vietnam finished third with 7 points (2 wins, 2 losses). Philippines placed fourth with 5 points (2 wins, 2 losses), with Cambodia, in their SEA V League debut, endiing fifth with 1 point from four straight losses.
The awards presentation and closing ceremony were jointly presided over by AVC President Mr Ramon Suzara, who also serves as President of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), and Candon City Mayor Eric D. Singson.
Also in attendance were PNVF Secretary General Mr Donald Caringal, Technical Delegate Mrs Marina Tsui of Hong Kong, China, and Mr Songsak Chareonpong, Referee Committee Chairman of the Thailand Volleyball Association and former AVC Referee Committee Chairman.
Thailand were awarded the Champions’ Trophy and gold medals, while silver and bronze went to Indonesia and Vietnam respectively.
Meanwhile, following a remarkable success of organizing the 5th SEA V League Men’s Week 1, a press conference was held on July 12 at Hotel Van Gogh, where AVC and PNVF President Mr Ramon Suzara and Mayor Eric D. Singson shared exciting news: Candon City has formally bid to host the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup.
As a gesture of appreciation, Mr Suzara presented Mayor Singson with a limited-edition Philippines 2025 Men’s World Championship jacket, a volleyball signed by all five participating teams, and a commemorative plaque from AVC. The two leaders posed with the symbolic gifts alongside members of the national and local media.
DREAM TEAM
Best Outside Hitters: No.17 Nguyen Ngoc Thuan (VIE) and No.3 Arabi Boy Arnez (INA)
Best Middle Blockers: No.5 Kissada Nilsawai (THA) and No.8 Tran Duy Tuyen (VIE)
Best Opposite: No.17 Leo Ordiales (PHI)
Best Setter: No.8 Kilanta Jasen Natanael (INA)
Best Libero: No.14 Tanapat Charoensuk (THA)
League MVP: No.3 Amornthep Khonhan (THA)
FINAL RANKING
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Cambodia
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