Safwan Awae, 24, died after being struck by lightning on the field

A terrible tragedy on the field: Safwan Awae, 24, died after being struck by lightning during the match between the Samcolts and Abu x Nong Sirin at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Kolok, in the southern province of Narathiwat, Thailand.

The tragedy occurred last Tuesday afternoon during the semifinal match of the 2026 Golok FA Cup (a local tournament featuring Thai and Malaysian teams), played amid heavy rain and a monsoon storm. Lightning struck the field right next to the young soccer player, who died shortly afterward while being transported to the hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Twelve other players suffered various burns; eight of them were admitted to the hospital in Sungai Golok but are not in life-threatening condition, according to local authorities.

“Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to the severe injuries sustained in the accident,” said local police chief Thun Sirikhunt. The match was suspended and subsequently canceled.

Safwan, who played as a forward and winger, had recently signed with FC Yala, a semi-professional club competing in Thai League 3. On social media, the club expressed its condolences to the family, as did the Thai Football Association. Last season, he had played for Pattani FC, also in Thai League 3.