A 21-year-old Thai social media influencer, Thanakarn Kanthee, widely known as “Bank Leicester,” tragically passed away after participating in a paid challenge to drink a 350ml bottle of whisky in exchange for 30,000 baht. He was pronounced dead at a hospital at 3:40 a.m. on Thursday.
Thanakarn, a garland seller who gained attention for his improvised rap performances to attract customers, was frequently seen in videos accepting risky alcohol challenges for money. In a widely shared video, he was recorded chugging whisky directly from the bottle amid cheers at a party, with attendees filming him on their phones.
After completing the challenge, Thanakarn became visibly ill, reportedly vomiting before being rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to the effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Disturbingly, some partygoers were seen laughing as emergency responders placed him on a stretcher, drawing outrage from netizens who criticized their lack of empathy.
Thanakarn’s story highlights his challenging upbringing. Raised in a Bangkok slum by his grandmother after his parents separated when he was two months old, he began selling garlands at the Liab Duan flea market at the age of seven to support his family.
His death sparked widespread condemnation of such dangerous stunts, with many netizens labeling the challenge “rubbish content” and calling for an end to promoting harmful behavior for online entertainment. Concern for his grandmother’s well-being was also expressed, along with poignant reflections on one of Thanakarn’s social media posts: “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.”
Social media activist Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, known as Gun Jompalang, offered to assist Thanakarn’s family in pursuing legal action against those who hired him for the challenge. “People were quick to make content and have fun with it, but when it came to taking responsibility, not a single soul dared step up,” Mr. Guntouch stated.
He urged the family to seek justice, pledging his support in holding those responsible accountable.
