A Thai social media influencer with intellectual disabilities died after chugging two bottles of whiskey as part of a 30,000 baht (Rs 75,000) bet. The police have arrested the man who challenged the influencer to the drinking game.
At a party, Thanakarn Kanthee, also known as “Bank Leicester”, was challenged to drink a 350 ml bottle of whiskey with a cash offer of 10,000 baht (Rs 25,000) per bottle. The 27-year-old was apparently drunk and accepted the challenge. He quickly drank two bottles in 10-20 minutes after which he collapsed and later died, The Bangkok Post reported.
A video viral on social media shows Kanthee drinking quickly amid a cheering crowd at the party before looking sick and vomiting.
Kanthee was originally a garland seller who found fame online for performing improvised rap songs. He belonged to a poor family and would frequently take on such challenges for money to support his family, the publication reported.
His death sparked public outcry, with many condemning such dangerous challenges.
One arrested for ‘recklessness’
Police on Saturday arrested one person who allegedly hired Kanthee for the drinking challenge at his house that caused the latter’s death. Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and local police in Chanthaburi raided the house of Ekkachart Meephrom, also known as “Em Ekkachart”.
The police seized a pistol, bank passbooks, mobile phones, and SIM cards for examination to gain information on the accused’s links to a gambling website. Officers also informed him about an arrest warrant on the charge of recklessness for causing Kanthee’s death.
Police later said that Ekkachart, 32, confessed to the offence and was soon taken into custody. A court denied him bail and noted the seriousness of his “reckless behaviour”, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to 20,000 baht (around Rs 50,000).
(With inputs from PTI)
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