Tragic: Yala FC player dies after being struck by lightning on football field (video)
On 4 Aug 2026 GMT+7, a sorrowful event shook Thai football when Sofwan Awa, a player for FC Yala in Thai League 3, died after being struck by lightning on the football field.
The incident happened during the Golok FA Cup match in Su-ngai Kolok District, Narathiwat Province, leaving Sofwan Awa critically injured before he later passed away. Several other players were also injured.
Sofwan Awa, formerly of Pattani FC, which recently advanced to Thai League 1, had signed with FC Yala only a few days earlier. FC Yala posted condolences to Sofwan Awa's family.
Video credit: Abdul Basir Chepor