Sport
Lightning Strike During Football Match in Sungai Kolok Results in Fatality
A lightning strike at a football tournament in Narathiwat province has left one player dead and eight others injured.
On July 4, 2026, a tragic incident occurred at the Santiphap (Babu) Stadium in Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat, during a match for the Kolok FA Cup. According to reports from Khaosod Online and the Yala Radio Thailand Public Relations Department, a lightning strike hit players on the field during the competition.
The incident resulted in the death of 24-year-old Sofwan Awae, a former Pattani FC player who had recently signed with Yala FC. Additionally, eight other individuals, including some Malaysian nationals, sustained injuries and were transported to Sungai Kolok Hospital for medical treatment.
For residents and travelers in the region, this event highlights the unpredictable nature of weather in Southern Thailand, particularly during outdoor sporting events. While the immediate aftermath is being managed by local medical authorities, the full extent of the injuries and the specific circumstances surrounding the safety protocols at the stadium during the storm remain under investigation. Those planning to attend outdoor gatherings in the area are advised to monitor local weather alerts closely, as tropical storms can develop rapidly. Further updates regarding the condition of the injured and any potential changes to local tournament safety regulations are expected to be released by provincial authorities in the coming days.
Translated from Thai.
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