Thailand Prepares to Host FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025

FIVB Women's Volleyball Fever Hits Thailand

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced Thailand’s preparedness to host the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025, a significant event in international volleyball. Set to occur from 22 August to 7 September 2025, the tournament aims to gather 32 of the world’s leading women’s national teams in four Thai cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated: “Hosting the championship aligns perfectly with the ‘Grand Sports’ series of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025. 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.”

The teams involved come from five continents: three from Africa, four from Asia, 16 from Europe, six from the NORCECA region, and three from South America. Strong competitors like the USA, China, Japan, Brazil, Türkiye, Italy, the Netherlands, and the reigning champions Serbia will compete alongside host nation Thailand, underscoring the tournament’s global scope.

The tournament kicks off with the Pool Phase from August 22 to 27, taking place in all four host cities. The top 16 teams will advance to the knockout rounds in Bangkok, starting with the Round of 16 from August 29 to September 1. This will be followed by the Quarter-Finals on September 3 and 4, the Semi-Finals on September 6, and the Final on September 7. Rest days will be interspersed between phases. Fans around the world can tune in for live coverage on VBTV and Volleyball World’s YouTube Channel.

Each host city presents a distinctive mix of sports history, local culture, and attractions for visitors. Bangkok, the capital, has been the venue for four Asian Games, the World University Games, and significant volleyball events, including the 2024 VNL Women’s Finals. Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, was the site of the 1995 Women’s Asian Championship and, in 2023, hosted both the Southeast Asia Volleyball League and the Beach Pro Tour. Nakhon Ratchasima, known as a volleyball hub, has held the Asian Club Championship, the 2019 U19 World Championship, and various Olympic qualifiers. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, enjoys a rich beach volleyball heritage, having hosted numerous FIVB World Tour tournaments and the 2021 U19 and U21 World Championships.

Thailand is establishing a new standard for sustainability in sports events with its “Green Heart Event” model, which emphasizes waste reduction, resource conservation, and eco-friendly practices at all stages.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “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. 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.”

The FIVB Women’s World Championship is a key event in a larger schedule of elite competitions, marking 2025 as a significant year for Thai sports. Additional major events encompass 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 collection of UTMB trail running races.

Volleyball enjoys significant popularity in Thailand, being the nation's second most-watched sport. The women’s national team, regularly placed in the world’s top 15, boasts a devoted fan base and will attract considerable attention as Thailand hosts international events. The FIVB World Championship capitalizes on the momentum generated by other 2025 events, including the SEA V.League Final, signifying a pivotal year for Thai volleyball.