BANGKOK: A footballer was killed and 12 others were injured after lightning struck during a local football match in southern Thailand, authorities said.
The incident occurred at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Kolok during a Golok FA Cup match, where 24-year-old footballer Sophawan Awai was fatally injured after lightning hit the playing field.
Teammates rushed to assist him and administered first aid before he was taken to hospital, where he later died despite doctors’ efforts to save his life. Among the injured was a Malaysian player.
Sophawan Awai represented Semicolts FC and had recently signed with Thai third-division club Yala FC. The club expressed deep sorrow over his death and extended condolences to his family.
Lightning strikes are relatively common in Thailand, with several fatal incidents reported across the country in recent years.
