The opening of the AVC House in Bangkok cements Southeast Asia's growing role in global volleyball, with the Philippines next in line with its historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Volleyball officially planted its flag in Southeast Asia with the inauguration of the first-ever Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) House in Bangkok on Friday, September 5.
The inauguration comes as Thailand’s hosting of the FIVB Women's World Championship entered its final stretch and the Philippines prepared to welcome the men’s global tournament next week.
“This is the home of Asia volleyball now, and it’s easier for us to work around here with the success of volleyball in Southeast Asia,” said AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who also heads the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), in his address to dignitaries and officials who gathered for the landmark occasion.
The historic ribbon-cutting drew a powerhouse cast: Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, former FIVB chief Ari Graça, and former AVC president Rita Subowo, alongside Suzara’s team from the PNVF including secretary-general Don Caringal.
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Also present were Thai sports leaders led by Thailand Volleyball Association president Somporn Chaibangyang and National Olympic Committee of Thailand secretary-general Thana Chaiprasit.
Set in Bangkok’s Khet Saphan Sung district, the two-storey, 2,800-square-meter mansion is envisioned as the beating heart of Asian volleyball—open not only to federations and clubs but to fans, universities, and stakeholders across the continent.
“I’m extremely happy and proud of our volleyball leadership in Asia led by president Ramon Suzara,” said FIVB's Azevedo. “The AVC House is magnificent—a great place to be the hub of volleyball in Asia, and we are moving together as one.”
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Thailand’s hosting of the Women’s Worlds continues this weekend with semifinals featuring Turkiye, Italy, Japan, and Brazil.
Meanwhile, the Philippines will raise the curtain on the Men’s World Championship on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena with Alas Pilipinas taking on Tunisia before an opening ceremony headlined by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Filipino artist Karencitta.
Tickets for the world championship, which runs until September 28 at the MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum, are available via the official website: www.philippineswch2025.com