The tragedy occurred on Tuesday at Santiphap Stadium during a regional cup match. While sources report differing numbers of injured and the name of the deceased player's club, all agree it was an unprecedented accident.
A football pitch in southern Thailand turned into a scene of tragedy on Tuesday. During a regional cup match, a powerful lightning bolt struck the players, killing one young footballer and injuring several others. The news was reported by Croatian media on August 5, 2026.
Sources differ on the details regarding the deceased footballer. According to Slobodna Dalmacija, the victim was 24-year-old Sofwan Awae, a winger for SAMCOLTS. On the other hand, 24sata reports the name Safwan Awae and claims he played for Yala FC, a club competing in the Thai third division. Due to these discrepancies, the exact name and club of the deceased player remain unclear.
The accident occurred at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok (also known as Su-ngai Kolok district), in Narathiwat province. The lightning struck the pitch with a loud explosion during a Golok FA Cup match. Footage of the terrifying moment quickly spread on social media, showing teammates and bystanders immediately rushing to help and attempting resuscitation.
Although help was provided quickly and the player was rushed to Sungai Kolok Hospital, doctors were unfortunately unable to save his life.
Reports on the number of injured are contradictory. Slobodna Dalmacija reports that a total of 12 people were injured and hospitalized, including one citizen of neighboring Malaysia. Portal 24sata, however, states that "more than nine" people were injured.
Yala FC, for whom Awae played according to 24sata, published a heartfelt message of condolence to the family. The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) also issued a statement.
"The association shares the grief with the family, friends, and club in these difficult times," FAT said in a statement, as reported by 24sata.
Portal 24sata adds that Awae had only recently signed a contract with Yala FC on July 29, 2026. The previous season, he scored seven goals in 18 matches for his former club, Pattani FC, helping them secure promotion to the second division.
This tragedy highlights the serious danger of lightning strikes in that part of the world. According to data reported by Slobodna Dalmacija, as many as 283 people were struck by lightning in Thailand between 2020 and 2024. Shocking news also emerged that on the same day, in neighboring India, 14 people lost their lives due to lightning strikes, reflecting the extremely severe weather conditions affecting the region.
