# Thai Footballer Dies After Lightning Strike During Southern Thailand Match

2026-08-06T11:16:16+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

A 24-year-old Thai footballer died after lightning struck during a regional match in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand. Hindustan Times identified him as Safwan Awae, while NDTV Sports spelled his name Sofwan Awae. He had recently joined Thai League 3 Southern Region club FC Yala. The strike occurred during the Golok Cup at Santiphap Stadium as heavy rain continued. Twelve other players suffered burn injuries, including Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, according to local reports cited by Hindustan Times. Awae received emergency treatment and was taken to hospital, but later died. FC Yala paid tribute to him. Hindustan Times said it could not independently verify circulating video footage of the incident.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/thai-footballer-killed-by-lightning-during-match-12-others-injured-in-terrifying-strike-101786004141570.html>
- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/football/thai-fooballer-dies-as-lightning-strikes-during-match-tragic-incident-caught-on-camera-11872992#publisher=newsstand>

Tags: football, lightning, monsoon weather, Thailand
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