NARATHIWAT, Thailand – Lightning killed footballer Sofwan Awae, 24, during the Golok FA Cup 2026 at Santipap Stadium. Nine other players were injured.
The strike hit around 5pm Tuesday during stoppage time as rain started. Awae, who played for Samcolts, had just moved to third-division side Yala FC.
Blast hits pitch in stoppage time
The match between Samcolts and Abu x Nong Sirin was deep into injury time when a lightning bolt slammed into the turf. A video posted online shows the bright flash and several players collapsing.
Teammates tried to revive Awae on the pitch but could not save him. He died at the scene.
Nine players rushed to hospital
Eight Thai players are being treated at Sungai Kolok Hospital. Among the injured is Mohamad Alif Ezzahan Bin Zulkifit, 22, a Malaysian footballer.
Bin Zulkifit has returned to Malaysia for further treatment. Authorities gave no details on the nationality of the ninth injured player.
Tournament brings Thai and Malaysian sides together
The game was part of the regional Golok FA Cup 2026, held at Santipap Stadium – also known as Babu Field. Local and mixed teams from Thailand and Malaysia compete in the tournament.
Sofwan Awae played for Samcolts and was also on the roster of Yala FC, a club in Thailand’s third division.
Family begs public to take down video
Relatives of the dead footballer asked the public to delete footage of the lightning strike out of respect for the family. They also urged people not to share the video further.
We ask everyone to delete the recordings and stop spreading them. Please respect our loss.
said a representative of the Awae family.
The injured Thai players remain at Sungai Kolok Hospital. Bin Zulkifit is receiving treatment in Malaysia.