A football player was killed and 12 others were injured when lightning struck during a match in Thailand's Narathiwat province on August 4, 2026. The incident occurred at the Santiphap Stadium during the Golok Cup regional tournament as a monsoon storm brought heavy rain.
Safwan Awae, a 24-year-old player recently signed by FC Yala, was struck directly by a lightning bolt and died from his injuries. Spectators rushed onto the field to attempt resuscitation before emergency services arrived. Police confirmed Awae's death, stating that medical teams made efforts to save him.
Of the 12 injured players, several suffered burns. Among them was 22-year-old Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli. Police chief Thun Sirikhunt confirmed the fatalities and injuries, noting that the victim succumbed to severe wounds.
FC Yala, a team competing in the Thai League 3 Southern Region, posted a tribute on Facebook mourning Awae's death. The club's statement read, "Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return." They offered condolences to Awae's family.
