Newly-crowned Asian women's champions Thailand will next try to secure a historic Olympic berth.
World No.14 Thailand claimed the country's third Asian title after defeating China 3-2 in the final in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday night.
Playing in front of a raucous crowd of 5,000 at Korat Chatchai Hall, the Thai women won the first set before China, ranked fifth in the world, battled back in the second.
The same pattern repeated in the third and fourth sets before the home side finally prevailed 25-21, 25-27, 25-19, 20-25, 16-14.
The decider saw both sides fight neck and neck, but a gusty display by Thailand ultimately made the difference as they fought back to 14-14 and went on to win.
Thai outside hitter Chatchu-On Moksri led all scorers with 23 points from 21 attacks, one block and one ace, while outside hitter Ajcharaporn Kongyot and middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang added another 22 and 16 points respectively.
Outside hitter Wu Mingjie contributed 22 points to pace China.
Thailand had won the Asian championship twice before -- in 2009 with a defeat of China in Vietnam, and in 2013 with an upset of Japan when the tournament was held in Nakhon Ratchasima.
China have won the Asian title 13 times.
Thailand advanced to the final after upsetting five-time champion Japan 3-2 in their semi-finals on Tuesday.
Japan won the bronze medal with a dramatic 3-2 (21-25, 25-14, 25-22, 20-25, 15-11) win against Vietnam in the third-place play-off earlier on Wednesday.
"Thailand defeated China 3-2 sets to win their third Asian title," Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tweeted after the match.
"I'd like to congratulate the athletes and coaching team. What is more important is patience, determination and effort of everyone. I am happy with everybody in the team."
But not all Thais were delighted by the victory as some critics said the Chinese were a second-string side.
"Champions are champions," Chat- chu-On said.
"Don't try to downgrade the champ- ionship."
Thailand coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul said his team needs improvement ahead of the Olympic qualifying round.
The Thais, who are chasing their first ever Olympic berth, are in Pool C of the Sept 16-24 qualifying round for Paris 2024.
They face hosts Poland, defending Olympic champions the USA, 2022 Nations League winners Italy, Colombia, South Korea and Slovenia.
The top two teams in each of the three pools earn tickets to Paris.
The Thais begin their campaign against Germany on Sept 16.
Workpoint TV (23) will show live all Thailand matches.