Thai footballer killed by lightning during Cup match

A Thai footballer was killed after being struck by lightning during a match in the southern province, while nine others were injured, Bangkok Post reports.

The incident occurred during injury time in the regional Golok FA Cup 2026 tournament, featuring local and mixed teams from Thailand and Malaysia, at Santipap Stadium (Babu Field) in Su-ngai Kolok municipality.

The match between Samcolts and Abu x Nong Sirin was under way at about 5pm when it started raining.

A video clip posted online showed a bright flash hitting an area of the pitch, after which several players collapsed on the ground.

One of them was 24-year-old Sofwan Awae, a recent signing for Thai third-tier club Yala FC, who was playing for Samcolts. Fellow players attempted to revive him at the scene, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Nine other players were injured, including eight Thais, who are receiving treatment at Sungai Kolok Hospital. A 22-year-old Malaysian footballer, Mohamad Alif Ezzahan Bin Zulkifit, returned to his home country for treatment.

The deceased’s relatives reportedly have asked the public to delete and refrain from sharing footage of the incident out of respect for the family.

By Vafa Guliyeva