A THAI footballer was killed while 12 others, including a Malaysian player, were injured after lightning struck a football pitch following a tournament match in Sungai Golok on Tuesday evening.
Sungai Golok police chief Colonel Thun Sirikhunt said the incident occurred at about 5.30pm local time during the semi-final of the Golok FA Cup at Santiphap Stadium.
He said the match between SAMCOLTS and Abu x Nong Sirin had already ended when heavy rain was followed by a lightning strike in the middle of the pitch.
"The incident resulted in one fatality and 12 others sustaining injuries.
"Police officers immediately went to the scene to examine the injured and, together with a doctor, carried out the post-mortem process on the deceased in accordance with legal procedures," he said when contacted.
The injured Malaysian player was identified as Mohammad Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, who was representing SAMCOLTS, a mixed team comprising players from Thailand and Malaysia.
Thun said Kelantan FC was the Malaysian team participating in the tournament, while those affected also included players from the local football community.
He said police would continue investigating the incident and take further action in accordance with legal procedures.
The deceased was identified as Safwan Awe, a winger for Thailand's Yala FC.
All injured victims were taken to Sungai Golok Hospital for treatment. - August 5, 2026
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