A lightning bolt struck the centre of the pitch (Photo:Courtesy)
A football match in southern Thailand ended in tragedy after lightning struck the pitch, killing a 24-year-old player and injuring 12 other people.
The incident happened on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat Province. The teams were taking part in the Golok FA Cup, a regional football tournament. Reports said the match had just ended when heavy rain and thunder moved over the stadium.
The player who died was identified as Safwan Awae, also reported as Sofwan Awae. He was a winger who played for Yala FC in Thailand. A lightning bolt struck the centre of the pitch, causing several players and other people nearby to fall to the ground.
Safwan suffered serious injuries in the incident. Teammates and emergency workers quickly tried to help him before he was taken to Sungai Kolok Hospital. Despite efforts by doctors and medical teams, he later died from his injuries. Police confirmed that the young footballer could not be saved.
