Thai midfielder Sofwan Awae died on the evening of August 4 after lightning struck him during a semi-final soccer match in Sungaikolok, Thailand, according to Mothership.
The 24-year-old player was standing in the center of the field at Santiphap Stadium during a Golok FA Cup 2026 match in Narathiwat province when a heavy downpour left standing water on the pitch. A bright flash illuminated the venue alongside a loud thunder crack, sending several players collapsing onto the turf before medical staff confirmed Awae could not be saved.
Twelve other people were taken to hospitals with electrical injuries of varying severity following the blast. While authorities have not released official statements, online commentators demanded an investigation into safety protocols, claiming organizers failed to stop play during heavy rain as rules require.
Previous Malaysia incident
The tragedy follows an earlier incident reported in Malacca, Malaysia, where lightning struck players during a soccer match and killed one participant.
