𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗜'𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗗 | Thailand avenges loss, blanks Alas Pilipinas in straight sets

𝗩𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀

Just a week after bowing to the Filipinos in a five-set thriller on Philippine soil, Thailand flipped the script and swept Alas Pilipinas, 25–21, 25–20, 25–18, in the 9th–11th classification round of the 2025 AVC Nations Cup at the Isa Bin Rashid Hall, Isa Town, Bahrain, on June 21.

The defeat marked the third straight loss for the national squad, officially knocking them out of top-eight contention in the tournament.

Still reeling from earlier setbacks against Chinese Taipei and Pakistan, Alas Pilipinas struggled to find footing—this time with team captain Marck Espejo held to just a single point, a far cry from his 31-point eruption last week.

Thailand came in with laser focus and adjustments, zeroing in on Espejo and capitalizing on the Philippines’ unforced errors—seven of which came from the service line in the opening set alone.

Buds Buddin led the scoring with eight points, while Leo Ordiales and Louie Ramirez chipped in six apiece to keep things competitive early.

Rwenzmel Taguibolos anchored the defense with four blocks, but Thailand’s balanced offense proved too steady to shake.

Amornthep Khonhan led Thailand’s redemption charge with 14 points, while Phanram Anurak and Chaiwat Thungkham added 12 apiece to power the sweep.

The Thais seized control late in the third set, eventually earning six match points before Amornthep capped the sweep with a decisive service ace, 25-18.

With one match remaining in the classification round, Alas Pilipinas will try to end their AVC campaign on a high when they face New Zealand on June 24.

Despite the string of losses, the AVC Nations Cup remains a crucial part of the Philippines’ preparation for their hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship later this year.