Aeyavarin “Aeya” Pradubyart, 15, died a day after the strike as her family questioned the tournament’s severe-weather response.
CHACHOENGSAO, Thailand — A 15-year-old junior golfer died Monday after being struck by lightning during a youth tournament in Thailand, an incident that also injured her caddie and prompted her family to question why play continued as lightning moved through the area.
Aeyavarin “Aeya” Pradubyart was competing Sunday, Nov. 1, at a golf course in Bang Nam Priao district of Chachoengsao province when she was struck near the 11th hole at about 4 p.m., according to Thai news reports and accounts from her family. Rescue workers found her unconscious and without vital signs. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation restored her heartbeat before she was taken to Bang Nam Priao Hospital and later transferred to Buddhasothorn Hospital for further treatment.
A 31-year-old female caddie who was with Pradubyart also was injured in the lightning strike and remained under medical supervision after the incident, according to reports. The extent of the caddie’s injuries was not immediately clear in the most detailed accounts available. Pradubyart remained critically ill through the night before her family announced her death on Monday, Nov. 2.
Pradubyart’s mother, Natcha, said lightning had already been seen near the course before her daughter was struck. She recalled a strike near a row of trees at about 3 p.m., followed by additional lightning as the weather worsened. She said competitors continued playing until another loud strike and heavy rain led officials to suspend the tournament and arrange transportation for players back from the course. The family’s account of when officials became aware of the danger and when play was stopped has not been independently established.
After players began returning, Pradubyart’s mother said she could not find her daughter. She then learned that a golfer had been struck and discovered that it was Aeya, who was receiving emergency care. Family members said her heart had stopped for an extended period before rescuers were able to restore a pulse. She was transported first to a local hospital before being moved for further treatment as her condition remained critical.
Pradubyart’s father had been working in neighboring Myanmar when he learned what happened and traveled back to Thailand. The family said he reached the hospital in time to see his daughter before she died. Her mother later wrote that Aeya had fought through the night and described the teenager as exceptionally strong. The family subsequently arranged to take her home for Islamic funeral rites.
The teenager’s relatives also raised questions about the emergency response at the golf course. Her grandmother alleged that an ambulance was not immediately available at the site, contributing to concerns about how quickly Pradubyart could be transported for hospital care. That claim has not been independently verified. Reports said tournament organizers expressed condolences to the family and were gathering information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Pradubyart had competed in junior golf events and earned recognition at the provincial level. Reports said she was registered with the Thai School Golf Union and had represented her province in competition. In March, she won the girls’ Class B division at the first Junior Asian Tour event of 2026 at Rayong Green Valley Country Club, prevailing in a playoff. Her family said she also had been considered as a reserve golfer for Chon Buri’s provincial team.
Her death has focused attention on the tournament’s handling of the storm, particularly the period between the first reported lightning activity and the suspension of play. Pradubyart’s mother called for golf courses and tournament organizers to strengthen procedures for stopping competition during dangerous weather and for responding quickly when medical emergencies occur. The precise sequence of decisions made by tournament officials before the strike remained under review in reports Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, Nov. 3, the injured caddie remained under medical supervision, while Pradubyart’s family was mourning the teenager and seeking answers about the tournament’s safety and emergency procedures. No independent finding assigning responsibility for the incident had been released.