The powerful Sirintra Seesuma and Em-On Phanusit became nightmares of the Australian blockers as the Thai team won 25-13 25-12 25-17.

"Our serves were below par and I don't think my girls are in their top form. They need more time to learn tactics," said Thai coach Pollawat Toomanee.

Australian coach Daniel Higgins said he was satisfied with his girls' improvement.

"I'm happy with my girls' improved form despite the loss to Thailand. Playing Thailand is a tough test as they played consistently," he said. "My girls just could not control the game well.

"My team trained for only three days before coming here. Volleyball is the 10th sport for girls in my country and to travel to Thailand for the competition, we had to play thousands of Australian dollars."

In other action yesterday, reigning champions China whipped South Korea 3-0, Japan tamed New Zealand 3-0 and Sri Lanka powered past Singapore 3-0.

Indonesia take on India today in the classification round, while the quarter-finals see New Zealand face Australia, Thailand go up against Japan, Vietnam take on South Korea and China play Taiwan.

 Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

 The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima