A 24-year-old footballer has died and 12 other players were injured after lightning struck a football pitch during a match in southern Thailand.

The incident occurred on August 4, 2026, at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province as a monsoon storm brought heavy rain during the game.

Video footage from the match shows players running across the rain-soaked pitch when a lightning bolt suddenly struck the ground near them, producing a bright flash followed by flames and smoke.

The lightning struck Safwan Awae, who collapsed on the pitch.

Spectators and others at the stadium immediately rushed onto the field in an attempt to help the player, while emergency responders were called to the scene.

Awae was given medical attention before being taken to hospital. However, police later confirmed that he had died from injuries sustained in the strike.

Police chief Thun Sirikhunt said emergency medical personnel made efforts to save the player but were unable to revive him.

“Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident,” Sirikhunt said.

Twelve other players were also injured in the lightning strike, suffering burns. Among those affected was 22-year-old Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli.

Awae had recently joined FC Yala, a club competing in the Thai League 3 Southern Region.

The incident has highlighted the dangers of continuing outdoor sporting activities during severe thunderstorms, particularly when lightning is present. (Vanguard)

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