Thai Volleyball Libero Clarifies Noodle Gesture Was Not Mocking
Thai volleyball libero Pakkawat Kuangnork says his noodle-eating gesture during a match against Chinese Taipei was not mocking but part of a stadium camera stunt, after the gesture sparked criticism during Thailand's 3-2 victory at the AVC
Pakkawat Kuangnork, libero for Thailand's men's volleyball team, has clarified on a live stream with teammates that his noodle-eating gesture was not intended to mock anyone, but rather was part of a stadium camera stunt. Thailand's 50th-ranked men's volleyball team defeated Chinese Taipei, ranked 53rd, 3-2 in the final group C match of the 2026 AVC Men's Volleyball Continent Championship in Fukuoka, Japan on September 9, winning the group and advancing to the quarterfinals to face Australia. During the match, "Kaka" Pakkawat made a noodle-eating gesture that many interpreted as taunting Taiwan, sparking widespread criticism. However, Pakkawat has now clarified on a live stream that he had no intention of mocking anyone and was simply following the stadium camera operator's instructions to participate in an Emoji Cam activity that was displaying a ramen emoji at that moment.
