Chanthaburi-
A young Thai social media influencer, identified as Thanakarn Kanthee, also known as ‘Bank Leicester,’ tragically passed away on December 26th after participating in a paid challenge to consume a 350ml bottle of whiskey in one sitting. The incident took place at a party in Chanthaburi, where Thanakarn was offered 30,000 baht (approximately US$880) to down the liquor rapidly.
Thanakarn, who was renowned for accepting dares to earn money for his family and suffered from mental illness, was rushed to the hospital after he began showing signs of severe distress, including vomiting. Despite medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at around 3:40 AM. He was raised by his grandmother in a Bangkok slum and had become an internet sensation for his unique approach of rapping while selling garlands at the Liab Duan flea market.
The aftermath of this tragedy has led to significant public outcry, with many condemning the practice of extreme challenges for content creation. Social media has been rife with tributes to Thanakarn, alongside calls for accountability and a reevaluation of the ethics behind such content.
In response to the incident, police have arrested a suspect identified as Mr. Ekkachart, who allegedly organized and paid for the drinking challenge. During a raid on his residence, authorities seized evidence including a pistol, bank passbooks, and mobile phones. Mr. Ekkachart faces charges of recklessness causing death under Thai law, particularly linked to the alcohol-drinking challenge that led to Thanakarn’s demise. The suspect confessed to the crime during police questioning, and the case has now moved to the Chanthaburi Provincial Court, where he is being detained for further investigation. He could possibly face manslaughter charges also, adds TPN Media.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
