The Thais were unable to keep their record clean as they twice threw away the lead to lose 3-2 (23-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-10, 16-14) in front of the packed Indoor Stadium.
Both teams ended pool play with seven points, but the Dutch have three wins to the Thais’ two, reports the Bangkok Post.
Thailand will now face Japan in the round of 16 tomorrow after they defeated Serbia in their final Pool H match yesterday, while the Netherlands will play the Serbs.
Star opposite Pimpichaya Kokram led Thailand’s attack against the Dutch on Tuesday with 20 points (18 kills, two blocks), while outside hitter Sasipapron Janthawisut had 14 points (13 kills, one ace).
“It was a high-level match,” said outside hitter Chatchu-On Moksri. “I thought both teams played very well, and we fought until the end. We set a goal for our team of making it to the next round, and I’m happy that we accomplished it, but now we want to keep improving and go further.”
“The players did their best but hats off to the Netherlands for winning the match. It was very close,” said coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai.
“One of the good things is that many of our new players got to play, especially in the fourth set, though it was also clear that they still have a lot to learn. However, they gelled a lot better with the more experienced players in the team and that should give them confidence for our next match against either Serbia or Japan.
“I think the most important thing right now is the fitness of the players. The morale is high despite the fact that we lost. We will have some time to recover and prepare for our next match.”
The other match of the pool pit already-eliminated Sweden and Egypt against each other, with the Europeans coming out on top 3-1 (25-18, 26-28, 25-20, 25-16) to end their first-ever world championship campaign on a high.
In Pool B, reigning Olympic and Volleyball Nations League champions Italy ended pool play with a perfect record, defeating Belgium 3-1 (25-16, 25-16, 21-25, 25-18) in Phuket.
The Italians finished with a maximum nine points from three wins while Belgium advanced in second place with six points. Italy will play Germany while Belgium will take on Poland in the last 16 on Friday.
Also in Pool B, three-time world champions Cuba ended their participation with a 3-1 (27-25, 25-21, 22-25, 26-24) victory over Slovakia.
Meanwhile, Brazil completed their Pool C play undefeated, triumphing against Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-18) in their last match in Chiang Mai.
With the third victory in as many matches, Brazil finished first in Pool C with eight points and will meet the second-placed team of Pool F in the last 16 on Sunday.
France topped Greece 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 28-26, 25-17) in the other match of the day in Chiang Mai to finish as pool runners-up with seven points.
Brazil are now set to face China in the Round of 16 on Sunday, while France will take on the Dominican Republic.
The United States are another team to end pool play with a full nine points after they defeated Czech Republic (26-24, 25-20, 25-15) for their third straight win in Pool D in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Their victory also qualified Slovenia, who defeated Argentina 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21) earlier and got to four points, but still depended on a Czech defeat to advance.
In the early Pool E match yesterday, Poland beat Canada 3-0 (25-21, 27-25, 25-13) to clinch the top spot and a last-16 match against Slovenia next Monday. Canada, runners-up in the pool, will face the US.
- Additional reporting by The Phuket News