Thai footballer Safwan Awae has died aged 24 after being struck by lightning during a regional cup match.
The incident occurred at Santiphap Stadium in the Su-ngai Kolok district of Thailand’s Narathiwat province on Tuesday, August 4.
Awae was playing for SAMCOLTS against Abu x Nong Sirin in the Golok FA Cup when lightning suddenly struck the pitch, causing several players to collapse.
Footage shared online captured a bright flash and loud explosion as the lightning hit near the players. Awae’s teammates rushed to help him and attempted to resuscitate him before emergency crews transported him to Sungai Kolok Hospital.
Despite doctors’ efforts, the winger died from his injuries. Police said 12 other players were also hurt, including Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, 22.
The match was abandoned following the incident.
Yala FC pays tribute to Safwan Awae
Awae had signed with Thai League 3 side Yala FC on July 29, less than one week before his death.
He previously played for Pattani FC, scoring seven goals across 18 appearances as the club earned promotion to Thai League 2 for the 2025-26 season.
Yala FC posted a tribute to its new signing and expressed its condolences to his family following the tragedy.
Yala FCThe Football Association of Thailand also released a statement mourning Awae’s death.
“The Federation shares the grief with the family, friends and the club during this difficult time,” it said.
The tragedy follows several other fatal lightning strikes during football matches in recent years.
Indonesian player Septian Raharja died after being struck during a friendly match in February 2024. Peruvian defender Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza was also killed by lightning while leaving a pitch amid heavy rain in November of that year.
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