Lightning Strike Kills Thai Footballer During Match, Leaves 12 Others Injured


(Tragic Lightning Strike Claims Life of Thai Footballer Mid-Game. Photo by CNA)

A promising Thai footballer lost his life, and a dozen others were injured when a sudden lightning bolt struck the pitch during a heated semi-final clash at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok, southern Thailand, on August 4, 2026.

Sofwan Awae, a 24-year-old winger who had just signed with Yala FC, collapsed immediately after the devastating strike. The young athlete had officially joined the third-tier club on July 29, following an impressive stint with Pattani FC, where he netted seven goals in 18 matches and helped secure promotion to Thai League 2.

Awae was competing for SAMCOLTS in the regional tournament when disaster struck during heavy monsoon rains around 5:30 p.m., just as the match neared its end.

Shocking footage captured the moment the lightning hit the rain-soaked field, producing a blinding flash and explosive burst of flames.

Despite frantic CPR efforts by teammates and medics on the pitch, Awae tragically passed away from catastrophic cardiac trauma and severe burns en route to the hospital.

Twelve other players, including one Malaysian national, sustained injuries and required emergency treatment.

Weather experts later confirmed the storm cloud responsible hovered at an unusually low altitude—just 300 meters above the stadium—creating deadly conditions.

The match had entered extra time amid worsening weather, with howling winds and torrential downpours battering the pitch.

Yala FC released a heartfelt tribute mourning Awae’s untimely passing, while the Football Association of Thailand announced an urgent review of weather safety measures for regional competitions.

The tragedy has sparked nationwide debate about enforcing stricter protocols for suspending matches when thunderstorms threaten player safety.