Thai Influencer, 27, Dies After Accepting Deadly Drinking Challenge for $1,200

Drinking challenges have often been common at social gatherings, but they can turn deadly when taken too far.

This tragic reality unfolded in the case of Thanakarn “Bank Leicester” Kanthee, a 27-year-old Thai influencer, who passed away after accepting a dare to consume two bottles of alcohol in exchange for 30,000 baht (approximately SGD 1,200).

Fatal Dare at a Chanthaburi Party

On December 25, 2024, Bank attended a party in Chanthaburi province at the Om Sin Agriculture Shop. Despite arriving uninvited with his friend, Theerawat “Bird” Srirong, Bank was challenged to drink two 350ml bottles of brandy in one sitting.

Known for his willingness to take on risky dares for money, he agreed to the task while partygoers cheered him on.

Footage of Stunt

A Facebook video circulating on social media shows Bank participating in the deadly drinking challenge. The footage captures him downing an entire bottle of liquor as onlookers cheered.

While the clip initially suggested he was unfazed, another video from the same event showed him slumped on his side before being carried out on a trolley by several men.

Witnesses reported that he vomited before being rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:40 am on December 26.

Following Bank’s death, those who encouraged the stunt deleted the videos and photos, but not before they had spread widely across social media.

Store Owner Denies Involvement

The host of the party, a 52-year-old man who owns the shop where the event took place, expressed deep regret over the incident. He explained that Bank and Bird arrived uninvited from Samut Prakan.

While he personally knew Bank, he firmly denied any involvement in the drinking challenge. He also denied any financial agreement for the dare, nor was he responsible for organizing or encouraging the dangerous behavior.

Medical Experts Highlight the Dangers of Binge Drinking

Following the incident, Dr. Pakpoom Dechhasdin, a Thai medical professional, posted on Facebook to warn about the dangers of binge drinking.

He explained that consuming alcohol rapidly can lead to severe health issues such as alcohol poisoning, respiratory arrest, and even death.

Dr. Pakpoom also noted that blood alcohol levels exceeding 400 milligrams per deciliter are often fatal, with such cases frequently occurring among binge drinkers.

Arrests Made in Connection with the Incident

Following Bank’s death, two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

Ekkachat “M” Meeprom, 35, is accused of paying Bank 10,000 baht (aprox. 399.77 SGD) for each bottle of brandy, is facing charges of negligent homicide.

Ekkachat was apprehended during a raid at his home in Chanthaburi, where police seized mobile phones, a pistol, and other items linked to a potential gambling operation.

Additionally, during questioning, Ekkachat admitted to encouraging Bank to consume alcohol. He is currently under custody, with the court denying him bail due to the seriousness of the charges.

Meanwhile, Theerawat “Bird” Srirong, 36, is accused of exploiting Bank for social media content.

Heartfelt Apologies at the Funeral

According to Khaosod English, Bank’s funeral took place at Wat Yu Dee Satthatham temple in Bangkok.

Photo courtesy of Ekkachat “M” Meeprom or เอกชาติ มีพร้อม on Facebook

During the ceremony, multiple content creators associated with Bank came forward to ask for forgiveness from his 80-year-old grandmother for their wrongdoings.

Separately, on December 26, before his arrest, Ekkachat shared a photo of Bank’s corpse in a Facebook post with the caption: “Rest in peace brother, you don’t need to worry or be tired anymore. In the next life, let’s be brothers again.”

The Investigation Continues

Authorities are awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine the exact cause of Bank’s death.

While preliminary findings suggest a heart attack, investigators continue to explore whether alcohol consumption or other factors played a role in his tragic passing.

Struggles Behind the Fame

Bank’s life was marked by hardship from an early age. His parents separated when he was just two months old, leaving his grandmother to raise him in a poor neighborhood in Bangkok.

He started selling garlands on the streets at the age of seven to help support his grandmother.

Despite these challenges, Bank gained attention on social media for his rapping and for taking on risky and degrading challenges in exchange for money to provide for his family.

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