A promising teen golfer has been killed after being struck by lightning during a tournament in Thailand, sending shockwaves through the local sports community. Rising star Aeyavarin Pradubyart, 15, was lining up a putt on the 11th hole when several lightning bolts ripped through the sky and slammed into the green.
Her female caddy Saitharn Boonkerd, 31, was also hit in the horror strike as torrential rain lashed the Lotus Valley Golf Resort in Chachoengsao, east of Bangkok. Officials had sounded the alarm to suspend play on Sunday afternoon as the heavens opened, ordering players to return to the clubhouse. But Aeyavarin and Saitharn were missing, with the pair later found unconscious on the golf course. Both received CPR at the scene before being rushed to Bang Nam Priao Hospital in critical condition.
What Happened During the Tournament in Chachoengsao
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Lotus Valley Golf Resort, located in the Chachoengsao province east of Bangkok. Weather conditions deteriorated rapidly as torrential rain lashed the course while the tournament was underway. Aeyavarin Pradubyart was on the 11th hole preparing for a putt when the fatal strike occurred. According to accounts from the scene, lightning first struck near a line of pine trees along the green before several more bolts followed in quick succession.
Tournament organisers had sounded an alarm to suspend play and order players back to the clubhouse as the weather worsened. However, family members raised questions about the timing of the suspension. Grieving mother Natcha Pradubyart claimed that officials failed to stop the competition promptly, stating that young players were ordered to continue playing before a deafening thunderclap and heavy rain finally triggered the stoppage.
Hospital Transfer and Medical Efforts
Following the strike, both Aeyavarin and her caddy Saitharn Boonkerd were found unconscious on the course. First responders administered CPR at the scene. Aeyaravin suffered serious burns on the right side of her body, from her head to her arms and legs, according to local reports. They were transported to Bang Nam Priao Hospital in critical condition. Due to the severity of her injuries, Aeyavarin was subsequently transferred to Phutthasothon Hospital for further treatment. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was pronounced dead on Monday morning. Her injured caddy remains under close medical supervision, though the full extent of her injuries remains unclear.
Family Grief and Claims Over Emergency Response
The family of the young golfer has spoken out about the harrowing ordeal following the incident. Aeyaravin's mother, Natcha Pradubyart, 49, announced her daughter's death in an online post. She wrote, "No parents would ever easily let their child go. But if it brings pain to our beloved child, we will choose to let go, so you may rest in peace." She added, "You were the strongest, my beloved child Aeya. Your heart stopped for nearly an hour after being struck by lightning, yet you fought back ten times, enduring through the night to wait for your father to fly back and say a final goodbye. Rest peacefully, my beloved child."
The teen's grieving grandmother, Aphorn Pradubyart, 67, raised concerns regarding the emergency response. She claimed there was a delay in taking her granddaughter to hospital because no ambulance was readily available at the golf course. Family members described frantic moments searching for the teenager after realising she did not return to the clubhouse with other competitors.
A Promising Career in Thai Golf
Aeyavarin Pradubyart was widely recognised as a rising star in Thai golf and had achieved notable success in youth competitions. She won the girls' Class B event in the first leg of the Junior Asian Tour 2026 in March after a dramatic play-off. Her consistent performances and talent led to her selection as a reserve golfer for Chonburi province. Her sudden death has cut short a promising athletic career that had already brought her multiple awards and recognition across junior circuits.
Response From Tournament Organisers
In the wake of the tragedy, tournament organisers issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. The organising committee extended condolences to Aeyavarin's family and stated they were working closely with the golf course management. A statement read, "Currently, the organising committee is working with the golf course to expedite the investigation and gather all the facts thoroughly in order to obtain the most accurate and clear information." As a result of the incident, the third round of the competition, which had been scheduled for November 7, was officially postponed.
