Footballer Killed, Nine Injured in Lightning Strike During Match in Southern Thailand

BANGKOK, Aug 6 : A footballer was killed and nine others were injured after lightning struck a football pitch during a regional tournament in southern Thailand on Wednesday, police and local media reported.

The incident occurred at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province during the Golok Cup tournament as players continued the match despite heavy monsoon rain. Videos shared on social media showed a lightning bolt striking the pitch, sending players and spectators fleeing in panic.

Police identified the victim as 24-year-old Thai footballer Safwan Awae, who died after being rushed to hospital despite efforts to save his life. Nine other people, including a Malaysian player, sustained injuries, with some suffering burns. The match was immediately abandoned following the incident.

Thailand experiences frequent thunderstorms during the annual monsoon season, and authorities routinely urge organisers to suspend outdoor sporting events whenever lightning is detected to prevent such tragedies.