Lightning Strike Kills Footballer, Nine Players Hospitalized
A 24-year-old footballer died and nine others were hospitalized after lightning struck a soccer match at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat on August 4 during a heavy thunderstorm. The injured players remain under observation at Sukhirin Golok
A lightning strike during the Golok FA Cup 2026 semifinal match at Santiphap Stadium in Sukhirin Golok district, Narathiwat, claimed the life of 24-year-old defender Sofwan Awae on the evening of August 4. Nine other footballers were injured in the incident. As of August 5, all nine injured players remain hospitalized at Sukhirin Golok Hospital under close medical observation for potential complications from electrical shock, though most are showing gradual improvement.
Witnesses reported that the incident occurred during a timeout in the semifinal match between Abu x Nong Searin and Sam Colt. Heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and a thunderstorm were ongoing when lightning suddenly struck the field, causing Sofwan to collapse unconscious. Teammates and bystanders immediately attempted CPR, but no vital signs were detected. The other injured players were rushed to hospital with injuries from the electrical current.
Sofwan, from Waeng district in Narathiwat, was formerly a Pattani FC player and had recently joined Yala FC. His sudden death has deeply grieved his family, teammates, and the southern border football community. The nine hospitalized players—Sakhariya Kh Ang, Sakireen Tikasom, Fadhel Baka, Hameerul Che Aseh, Somchai Longmina, Moaisarun Kaso, Soranun Satavorn, Suhaimi Rohman, and Chalodan Samaang—reported feeling a severe impact to their backs before collapsing with numbness throughout their bodies. Though improving, they remain under medical evaluation before discharge. Authorities urged the public to avoid outdoor activities during rain and thunderstorms and to never shelter under large trees.
