A football match in southern Thailand ended in tragedy after a lightning strike claimed the life of a player and left several others injured during the Golok FA Cup 2026. The incident occurred on the evening of August 4 at Santipap Stadium in Sungai Golok, Narathiwat province, as heavy rain and stormy weather swept across the area during the semi-final between Samcolts and Abu x Nong Sirin.
According to local authorities, the lightning struck while the match was being played in worsening weather conditions. Reports said multiple players were injured in the incident, including a Malaysian footballer, and emergency services responded immediately. Police have confirmed that the tragedy took place amid a monsoon storm, turning the regional tournament into a devastating event.
Thai Football Match Ends in Tragedy as Lightning Kills Player, Injures Malaysian Footballer
A football match in Thailand’s Narathiwat province turned tragic when lightning struck the pitch during the Golok FA Cup, killing 24-year-old winger Sofwan Awae and injuring several others. The incident occurred at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok during heavy rain as Abu x Nong Sirin faced SAMCOLT, a team made up of Thai and Malaysian players. Sofwan, who had recently joined Yala FC after previously playing for Pattani FC, was representing Abu x Nong Sirin in the tournament.
🚨Lightening bolt strikes down a footballer in Thailand on August 4, 2026.⚡️🌩️😥 pic.twitter.com/uXgxFIVAtV
— Pae (@perea2018) August 5, 2026
Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt said the lightning struck the middle of the field at around 5 p.m. local time. “The incident left more than nine individuals injured, while a Thai national, Sofwan Awae, 24, a Yala FC player, died,” he said. He also confirmed that the injured Malaysian player was 22-year-old Mohammad Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli. Police responded after receiving an emergency call at around 5.30 p.m. and found Sofwan in critical condition. “Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident,” Thun added.
Football Community Mourns Sofwan Awae as Calls Grow for Better Lightning Safety
At least nine other people, including Thai players, officials, and Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, were injured and taken to Sungai Golok Hospital for treatment. Videos from the stadium captured the moment lightning struck near players on the field, followed by spectators rushing to help Sofwan before emergency responders arrived. His family later appealed to the public not to share footage of the incident out of respect for his memory and their privacy.
The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter lightning safety measures at outdoor sporting events, particularly in regions prone to severe thunderstorms. Yala FC and the Football Association of Thailand expressed their condolences following Sofwan’s death. “The association joins in mourning this loss and offers its condolences to the family, those involved and the football club during this time of sorrow,” the Football Association of Thailand said. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
