International
oi-Swastika Sruti
In a devastating incident, a football match in southern Thailand turned tragic after a lightning strike hit the playing field during heavy rain and killed a 24 year old Thai footballer and injured several others including a Malaysian player. The video was captured on camera leaving all in shock.
A lightning strike during an FA Golok Cup football match in Sungai Golok, Thailand claimed the life of 24-year-old Sofwan Awae and injured several players, including Malaysian Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, on Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred during an FA Golok Cup match at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok on Tuesday evening. Authorities said the lightning struck the middle of the pitch while the game was in progress, causing panic among players and spectators.
Lightning Strikes During Match
According to the Sungai Golok Police Chief Thun Sirikhunt, the incident occurred at around 5 pm local time as heavy rain lashed the area. Lightning suddenly struck the centre of the football field while the match was underway. The lightning left more than nine people injured with players collapsing on the pitch.
The deceased footballer has been identified as Sofwan Awae, a 24 year old player for Yala FC in Thailand. Medical personnel immediately began treatment and attempted to revive him, but he later died from the severe injuries caused by the lightning strike.
🇹🇭 Horrifying moment from Thailand when a freak lightning strike kills a football player and injures 12 others during a match pic.twitter.com/lAwYJxhtUo
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 5, 2026
Malaysian Player Among Those Injured
Among the injured included a 22 year old Malaysian footballer – Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli. Authorities have not released details about the extent of his injuries, but confirmed that he was taken to Sungai Golok Hospital along with the other injured individuals for medical treatment.
Police Begin Investigation
Police said an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials are also expected to examine whether weather safety protocols were followed before and during the match, as the game continued despite heavy rain.
