Thai women's volleyball team risks VNL relegation to Vietnam

The Thai women's volleyball team is facing a serious threat of losing its coveted spot in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) to rival Vietnam. This concern arises after Thailand's opening 0-3 loss to Serbia in the current VNL season, a result that saw them drop to 19th in the FIVB world rankings. Vietnam, currently ranked 28th, is seen as a strong contender to claim the VNL position if Thailand falters.

Thailand has been a consistent participant in the VNL since its inception, but this season presents a heightened risk of relegation. Last year, they narrowly avoided the drop by defeating South Korea in a crucial match. With South Korea no longer in the VNL and Ukraine, a European powerhouse, replacing them, Thailand's path to survival has become more challenging. The loss to Serbia not only impacted their VNL standing but also resulted in a deduction of 5.22 ranking points, further intensifying the pressure.

Fans are expressing anxiety over the prospect of Thailand being relegated while Vietnam secures a place in the prestigious tournament. "It will be very painful for Thai volleyball if we get relegated, and Vietnam qualifies for the tournament. At that point, Vietnam could become the number one power in Southeast Asia," a fan commented on the sports forum Pantip. According to FIVB regulations, the highest-ranked team outside the VNL qualifies for the next season. Theoretically, Vietnam needs to break into the world's top 18 to secure a spot.

This goal appears within reach for Vietnam, led by Thanh Thúy. Simultaneously, Vietnam will compete in the AVC Cup, a tournament they have won three consecutive times and are favored to win again. If Vietnam replicates its previous performance, accumulating around 40 points from the AVC Cup and the SEA V.League, they could potentially reach 18th in the world rankings. However, their promotion also depends on the performance of teams ranked above them, as well as Thailand's ability to avoid further point deductions from continuous losses.

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But it will be very painful for Thai volleyball if we get relegated, and Vietnam qualifies for the tournament. At that point, Vietnam could become the number one power in Southeast Asia.