Thai volleyball star Pimpichaya Kokram faced online criticism on her official Instagram account after Thailand won the first leg of the 5th SEA V League Women’s Tournament held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Thailand defeated Vietnam in a five-set thriller, 23-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-17, 15-11, to defend their Women’s SEA V. League crown.
However, Pimpichaya was targeted by online users after a Video Challenge in Set 2 of the match went viral on different online platforms.
Thailand won a point in Set 2 after a successful pancake save from the Thai star.
However, Vietnam called for a Floor Touch Video Challenge, with the first video review showing that the ball landed on the floor.
Thailand also called for a similar challenge and asked the technical team to review another camera angle of Pimpichaya’s pancake save. The first referee ultimately awarded the point to the Thai team.
Pimpichaya posted a photo on Instagram to celebrate Thailand’s success but was met with criticism from volleyball fans.
Some users accused the Thai hitter of playing dirty, referring to the controversial Video Challenge in Set 2.
First leg over
World No. 20 Thailand received the gold medal and a $16,000 cash prize. Vietnam received $13,000 and the silver medal, while the Philippines brought home $11,000 and the bronze medal after they defeated Indonesia in four sets, 25-20, 25-20, 16-25, 25-13.
Angel Anne Canino (Philippines) and Ajcharaporn Kongyot (Thailand) were named the Best Outside Hitters of the tournament, while Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (Vietnam) was awarded the Best Opposite Spiker.
Thatdao Nuekjang (Thailand) and Tran Thi Bich Thuy (Vietnam) were the Best Blockers of the first leg, while Nguyen Khanh Dang (Vietnam) was the Best Libero.
Pornpun Guedpard, who helped Thailand avoid an exit from the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) recently, was named the Best Setter of the tournament.
Pimpichaya was named the Most Valuable Player after scoring 28 points during the five-setter match against Vietnam.
“It was a grueling five-setter, and we’re exhausted. I was fortunate to get some rest before facing Vietnam today, which helped,” she told the Asian Volleyball Confederation.
“We’ll now head to Vietnam for Week 2. I know it will be tough playing in front of their home fans just like they faced here, but I believe our team can rise to the occasion.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Basketball news: NZ hold off Philippines’ fightback for 2nd win in FIBA Asia Cup
Vietnam host second leg
The 2025 SEA Women’s V.League kicks off on Friday in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, with Thailand facing Indonesia in the first match while the Philippines meet Vietnam.
The Women’s SEA V. League remains an important tournament for all the Southeast Asian teams competing since points are awarded to each nation after every match.
According to FIVB’s current world rankings, Vietnam remain in 27th place, the Philippines in 46th, and Indonesia in 55th.
However, Thailand are excluded from receiving points from the tournament since they have already competed in the recently concluded Women’s VNL.
READ NEXT: Championship news: Kris Boyd tips Birmingham pair for top goalscorer honours
Adam Peaker 
Hyacinth Estrada 
Ian Trinidad