Teen golfer dies after lightning strike during tournament in Thailand - The Independent

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A 15-year-old golfer has died after being struck by lightning during a junior tournament in Thailand.

Aeyavarin “Aeya” Pradubyart was competing at a golf course in Chachoengsao province, east of Bangkok, on Sunday when lightning struck near the 11th hole. A 31-year-old female caddie was also injured.

Rescue workers found Aeya unconscious and without vital signs, local media reports said.

They performed CPR and managed to restore her heartbeat before taking her to a nearby hospital. She was later transferred to Buddhasothorn Hospital for further treatment.

Her mother Natcha Pradubyat said her daughter’s heart had stopped for nearly an hour following the strike.

Despite repeated resuscitation attempts and medical intervention throughout the night, the teenager remained critically ill.

Ms Natcha announced her daughter’s death on Facebook on Monday, sharing a tribute to her: “No parent would ever willingly let their child go. But if holding on means causing more pain to our beloved daughter, we have to let her go peacefully.

“You fought so hard, my beloved Aya. Rest in peace, my darling.”

Aeya’s father had been working in neighbouring Myanmar and returned to Thailand after the incident, Nation Thailand reported.

The teenager’s family has questioned why the tournament was allowed to continue despite lightning activity in the area.

Ms Natcha told local Thai media that lightning had struck near a row of trees beside the golf course at around 3pm local time, followed by further strikes as rain began.

She alleged that officials did not immediately suspend play or instruct the young golfers to leave the course.

According to her account, the competition was stopped only after another loud lightning strike, when officials arranged golf carts to collect the players.

Ms Natcha said she initially could not find her daughter among those returning from the course.

She subsequently learnt that Aeya had been struck and was receiving first aid.

Her grandmother, Aphorn Pradubyat, 67, also questioned the organisers’ decision to continue the competition. She said Aeya had been playing with a small group of golfers and caddies and was near the 11th hole when lightning struck.

Ms Natcha called on golf courses and tournament organisers to introduce stronger safety measures, including clear procedures for suspending play during thunderstorms and ensuring emergency medical assistance is readily available.

Aeya was a member of the Thai Student Golf Union and had emerged as a promising junior player.

In March, she won the girls’ Class B category at the opening leg of the Junior Asian Tour 2026 following a playoff. She had also represented her province in golf competitions and was being considered as a reserve for Chon Buri’s provincial golf team, according to her grandmother.