A young influencer from Thailand, Thanakarn Kanthee, tragically passed away on December 25, 2024, after participating in a dangerous drinking challenge at a birthday party. Known online as ‘Bank Leicester,’ the 21-year-old from Bangkok was paid 30,000 baht (approximately $875) to drink two 350ml bottles of whiskey during the event.
The Fatal Challenge and Death
Thanakarn was hired to attend a birthday celebration in the Tha Mai district of Chanthaburi, where he accepted the challenge to gulp down the whiskey bottles in exchange for cash. According to reports, after completing the challenge, he began to feel unwell, vomited, and eventually lost consciousness. He was rushed to Songpeenong Hospital but was tragically pronounced dead at 3:40 AM on December 26, just hours after arriving at the party.
Cause of Death and Investigation
Thanakarn’s cause of death has been recorded as acute heart failure, although the exact role of alcohol consumption remains unclear. Thai authorities are still awaiting autopsy results to determine whether alcohol was the primary cause or if underlying health issues contributed to the tragedy.
Before his death, Thanakarn was a student at Ritthiyawannalai School and worked part-time selling garlands. He gained social media fame for his rap videos, which he posted to encourage people to buy his products. Tragically, his posts also reflect his willingness to perform risky stunts to financially support his family and grandmother. In one viral video, he can be seen drinking hand sanitizer, further highlighting the dangerous nature of some of his online challenges.
Influencer’s Struggle for Money and Family Support
Thanakarn’s posts on Facebook reveal his struggles and his determination to earn money for his family. One post read, “I am willing to be bullied and insulted to just get scraps of money from the rich people in order to provide for my family.” Another post, just days before his death, shared his outlook on life: “Nowadays, I don’t care who hates me, who doesn’t like me, I just ignore it and let it go because these days, I only care about the people around me.”
Legal Action and Arrests
In connection with Thanakarn’s death, two other social media influencers, Ekachart “Em” Meephrom and Theerawat Srirot, have been arrested. If it is confirmed that Thanakarn was paid to drink the deadly amount of whiskey, those involved could face charges under Section 291 of the Thai Penal Code for causing death through negligence. Convictions under this section carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to 20,000 baht (about $580).
Tributes and Remembering Thanakarn
Following his tragic death, tributes have poured in on Thanakarn’s Facebook page, with friends describing him as a “very good person” who made “everyone smile.” His untimely passing has raised concerns about the dangers of viral stunts and the lengths to which some influencers will go to gain attention or support their families.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Thanakarn Kanthee highlights the extreme risks associated with viral challenges and the dangerous pressures faced by young influencers. As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, many are reflecting on the need for greater responsibility in the content created and consumed on social media. Thanakarn’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the potential consequences of such reckless behavior.
