Ex-Pro Golf Chief Urges SAT to Study Lightning Safety at Major Tournaments
Former Professional Golf Association of Thailand president Methi Sudasna na Ayutthaya is urging the Sports Authority of Thailand to study lightning safety protocols at two major tournaments that executed professional evacuations during recent storms. The call comes after 15-year-old golfer Eayavarin "Eya" Pradab-yat was killed by lightning at a Chachoengsao course. Methi says Thailand already has qualified tournament directors capable of managing lightning risks without foreign training.
Following the tragic loss of 15-year-old junior golfer Eayavarin "Eya" Pradab-yat, who was killed by a lightning strike at a golf course in Don Ko Ka subdistrict, Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province, former Professional Golf Association of Thailand president Methi Sudasna na Ayutthaya posted on Facebook urging the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) to dispatch a team to observe two major professional tournaments that managed lightning delays with professional evacuation procedures.
The two events were the ATGT Tour at Chatrium Golf Soi Dao in Chanthaburi and the TCT Tour at Rancho Charnvee in Khao Yai. Both tournaments faced rain and lightning over two days, requiring temporary suspensions. Methi highlighted that ATGT uses an on-site weather monitoring system (WM On Site) combined with highly experienced tournament directors and staff, allowing them to manage evacuations professionally despite lightning in the vicinity. He noted that during the Pro-Am round, play was suspended twice, and VIP guests from SAT were present but may not have observed the safety operations.
At Rancho Charnvee, the TCT Tour used an online weather system plus tournament director experience, with mandatory golf carts for all players and caddies. When the TD announced a suspension, everyone reached the clubhouse within 10 minutes without needing a formal evacuation plan or extra personnel.
Methi disputed claims that Thailand lacks qualified tournament directors and must train abroad, stating that during his TPGA presidency he had drafted safety regulations (though his term ended before implementation). He expressed satisfaction that SAT executives are now reportedly seeking golf professionals to join a brainstorming meeting on safety standards.
