A regional football semi-final in southern Thailand ended in tragedy after a powerful lightning strike hit the pitch during heavy rain, killing one player and injuring 12 others. The incident has prompted renewed concern over player safety during adverse weather conditions and cast a shadow over the tournament.
The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday, 4 August, at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok, Narathiwat Province, while an FA Cup regional semi-final was in progress. The match featured Abu X Nong Sirin against Samkolt and was being played despite persistent rainfall when lightning suddenly struck the field.
Witnesses said several players collapsed immediately after the strike. Among them was 24-year-old Sofwan Awae, who suffered critical injuries. Emergency responders rushed him to Sungai Golok Hospital, where doctors made every effort to save his life. Despite intensive treatment, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Reports also confirmed that 12 other people were injured in the incident, including Malaysian footballer Mohammad Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, aged 22, who was playing for Samkolt. All injured individuals were taken to hospital for medical treatment, although no further details regarding their conditions have been released.
Sofwan Awae was a winger for Thai third-division club Yala FC. Only a few days before the match, he had joined Abu X Nong Sirin. Earlier in his career, he had also represented Pattani FC. His sudden death has deeply affected teammates, supporters and the wider football community.
According to Sungai Golok Police Chief Thun Sirikhunt, officers responded immediately after receiving an emergency call at around 5:30 p.m. local time. Rescue teams reached the stadium within minutes and transported the injured to hospital. He said medical personnel did everything possible to save Sofwan, but the severity of the lightning strike proved fatal.
The tournament itself brought together clubs from both Thailand and neighbouring Malaysia. Samkolt’s squad included players from both countries, while several Malaysian teams, including Kelantan FC, were participating in the competition. Sungai Golok lies close to the Thailand–Malaysia border, making the event an important cross-border sporting occasion.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of continuing outdoor sporting events during severe weather. Lightning poses one of the greatest natural hazards to athletes competing in open spaces, and international sports organisations generally recommend suspending matches whenever thunderstorms are detected nearby to minimise the risk to players, officials and spectators.
The Football Association of Thailand expressed profound sorrow following Sofwan Awae’s death. In a statement, the organisation extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates and club, describing the incident as a devastating loss for Thai football. It also wished those injured a swift and full recovery.
The match was overshadowed by the fatal accident, leaving the local football community mourning the loss of a promising young player whose career ended in deeply tragic circumstances.
