Beware of lightning: The Thai Football Association has announced four guidelines for dealing with lightning and thunder during professional football league matches.
On 10 August 2026, Mr. Ekaphon Pholnawi, Secretary-General of the Football Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, issued a letter to all football clubs participating in professional league competitions, as well as match officials and the director of referee development. The letter emphasized the importance of safety for players, team staff, referees, match officials, and spectators in cases of weather conditions involving lightning and thunder, which may pose hazards within the stadium area.
On 4 August 2026, a lightning strike occurred during the 2026 Golok FA Cup match at Santiphap Stadium, Su-ngai Golok District, Narathiwat Province. This incident resulted in the death of 24-year-old player Sofwan Awae, with several others injured.
The Association has therefore issued the following guidelines for handling weather conditions caused by lightning and thunder during all professional football league matches:
- If lightning is observed and the time between seeing the lightning and hearing thunder is less than or equal to 30 seconds, this indicates a potentially dangerous lightning threat. The referee and/or match officials should temporarily suspend the match.
Officials must promptly lead players, team staff, referees, and match officials away from the playing area into locker rooms or other safe areas. Spectators should be moved to designated safe shelters prepared in advance.
- Continuous weather monitoring should be maintained. The referee, together with match supervisors and related officials, must assess weather and safety conditions to determine the appropriateness and safety of resuming play.
- If poor weather conditions persist for more than 60 minutes from the initial suspension, the match supervisor, referee, and organizers will consider relevant competition regulations regarding force majeure to decide whether to resume or abandon the match.
- The home club and related parties must be prepared to implement these safety measures, especially by providing safe shelter areas for players, team staff, and spectators, as well as establishing evacuation procedures and communication systems that can operate quickly and effectively.
All clubs and related parties are required to strictly adhere to these guidelines, prioritizing the safety of players, match officials, team staff, and spectators above all else.
