A 24-year-old footballer, identified as Safwan Awee in one account and Sofwan Awee in another, died after lightning struck during a local match in southern Thailand.
Twelve other players were injured.
The strike occurred while the game continued in heavy rain.
The lightning hit near the penalty area, prompting players and spectators to flee in alarm.
Players went to Awee’s aid, and emergency medical personnel attempted treatment.
Police chief Thun Sirikhun said medical personnel made every effort to save the player, but he died from severe lightning-strike injuries.
The match was canceled after the incident.
The game was part of the Golok FA Cup, a competition involving amateur Thai and Thai-Malaysian teams.
Awee had recently joined FC Yala, a semi-professional club in the southern division of Thai League 3.
The Football Association of Thailand offered condolences to Awee’s family, club and others affected by the death.
Thailand’s Disease Control Department recorded at least 283 people affected by lightning strikes between 2020 and 2024, with many dying at the scene.