The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, August 4, 2026, at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok, Narathiwat province, close to the Thailand-Malaysia border. Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt confirmed that despite sustained efforts by emergency medical staff, the young footballer succumbed to his injuries. Twelve other players were also injured in the same lightning discharge and taken to Sungai Golok Hospital for treatment, several suffering burns. What makes the loss particularly painful for Thai football is its timing. Yala FC issued a statement mourning their new signing, saying they extend condolences to the family of Sofwan Awae.