Tragedy in Thailand: lightning kills player during football match; 12 people are injured
A tragic incident marked a football match in Thailand on August 4, 2026, when a player died and twelve other people were injured after being struck by lightning. The event took place in a friendly match played at the Santiphap Stadium, located in the province of Narathiwat, in the south of the country.
The weather phenomenon took athletes, members of the technical committees and fans present at the Golok Cup, a local tournament, by surprise. The match was stopped immediately, and medical care for the victims was provided on site.
The powerful electrical discharge impacted the pitch while the game was taking place, generating widespread panic among everyone in the stadium. Videos captured by spectators show an intense glow in the sky moments before the lightning struck the players’ area.
The identity of the fatal victim was confirmed as Safwan Awae, a 24-year-old player. He received first aid in the field and was taken to a hospital in serious condition, but unfortunately he did not survive the injuries caused by the impact of the lightning.
Safwan Awae had recently been hired by FC Yala, a team in the third division of the Thai championship. After the young man’s death was confirmed, the team paid tribute to the athlete and expressed their support for his family.
FC Yala director Nimit Phumprasert led the club delegation, which included Niuma Dueramae, Don Hawang, Sabri Iso and other members. Managers, coaching staff, players and collaborators offered their condolences and support to the family of the late athlete.
The club also disclosed aspects of the player’s personal life. Safwan was the third of eight children in his family.
As a result of the accident, the match was suspended and then cancelled. The incident caused great commotion in the Thai football community, sparking discussions about the dangers of playing in unfavorable weather conditions.
Safwan Awae’s death joins other tragic episodes already seen on the world football scene, highlighting the importance of security at sporting events. In February 2024, Indonesian Septian Raharja also died after being struck by lightning in a friendly match. Previously, in December 2023, the young Brazilian Caio Henrique de Lima Gonçalves, aged 21, met a similar end.
