A footballer has died after being struck by lightning during a match in Thailand. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the village of Sungai Golok, forcing the abandonment of a Golok FA Cup fixture between Abu x Nong Sirin and SAMCOLT.
Emergency response
The victim, identified as Sofwan Awae, 24, was hit by a massive lightning strike. His teammates attempted emergency medical aid, including resuscitation efforts on the pitch, while emergency services were called. Despite their efforts and the arrival of paramedics, Awae could not be saved.
Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt confirmed in an official statement: "Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident."
Injuries and reactions
Local police verified that 12 others were injured by the strike and taken to hospital. Video footage of the incident has spread rapidly online, showing fellow players attempting resuscitation.
The Football Association of Thailand issued a statement: "The association joins in mourning this loss and offers its condolences to the family, those involved and the football club during this time of sorrow." Yala FC, the opposition team, also expressed condolences, noting Awae was a new player for them.
Similar tragedies and statistics
The incident echoes a 1998 tragedy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where lightning killed 11 players from a single team during a match. In Thailand, lightning strikes are believed to have killed 283 people between 2020 and 2024, with most dying instantly, according to the Department of Disease Control.
Recent fatalities include an engineering student and his aunt in Lampang province in May, and a pregnant woman in Uthai Thani province who was struck while sheltering under a tree.
