Thai Footballer Sofwan Awae Dies After Lightning Strikes Match

Thai footballer Sofwan Awae died after being struck by lightning during a local match in southern Thailand on Tuesday. The 24-year-old winger suffered critical injuries when lightning hit the pitch during rainy conditions. Twelve other players were also injured in the incident, which occurred while the match was in progress.

The lightning strike took place during the Golok FA Cup, a local football tournament featuring amateur teams from Thailand and Malaysia. Awae was representing SAMCOLTS in a match against Abu x Nong Sirin when the lightning struck the playing area, causing several players to collapse or seek safety.

Video footage circulated on social media showed the teams continuing to play in the rain shortly before the strike. A loud sound was heard as lightning hit the pitch, after which players rushed towards Awae, who had fallen and remained motionless. Emergency medical personnel attempted to save him, but he later died from his injuries.

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Police Chief Thun Sirikhunt said emergency teams made every effort to treat Awae but were unable to save him because of the severity of his injuries. Information regarding the condition of the 12 other players was not immediately available. Authorities had not provided further details about any investigation into the match’s safety arrangements.

The Football Association of Thailand expressed its condolences to Awae’s family, teammates, club and others affected by his death. Social-media users also mourned the player, while several questioned why the match had been allowed to continue during stormy weather and called for stronger safety procedures at sporting events.

Lightning incidents are a recurring safety concern in Thailand. Data attributed to the country’s Department of Disease Control showed that at least 283 people were struck by lightning between 2020 and 2024, with several dying at the scene. The footballer’s death has renewed calls for matches and outdoor activities to be suspended immediately when lightning threatens.

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