A Thai influencer tragically passed away after being dared to drink an entire whiskey bottle. Thanakarn Kanthee, better known as Bank Leicester online, took an $875 dare that resulted in his death.
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A Whiskey Dare Gone Wrong
The 21-year-old influencer collapsed after ingesting the whole bottle of whiskey on December 25. According to the Bangkok Post, Kanthee was in the Chanthaburi's Tha Mai district in Thailand when the incident occurred.
While attending a birthday party, the influencer gulped down a 350ml bottle of whiskey. He soon fell ill, vomited, and went unconscious. Although they rushed the young man to Songpeenong Hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on December 26 at 3:40 AM.
Bystanders managed to film Thanakarn guzzling the drink in front of a crowd, which is now on the internet. Video footage on Facebook even showed witnesses laughing at the first responders putting Thanakarn into the ambulance. The post contained comments ridiculing the people laughing at the social media star on his deathbed.
The young man would often pull risky challenges for viral content. He was able to financially support his family with the money he made. Starting at age seven, he would sell garlands to provide for his family as well. To attract customers, Thanakarn would improvise rap songs.
The daring man would often express online how hard-skinned he was when it came to backlash. "I am willing to be bullied and insulted to just get scraps of money from the rich people to provide for my family," one Facebook post of his read.
He would also write on Facebook about how he didn't care if people hated him. "I just ignore it and let it go because these days, I only care about the people around me."
In the wake of his death and what caused it, many have called for influencers to stop doing risky challenges. On the flip side, Thanakarn's Facebook page flooded with heartfelt messages describing the man as someone who made "everyone smile."
As for the people who bribed the social media star, they may be in trouble. According to Unilad, the perpetrators could face charges "under Section 291 of the Penal Code for causing death through negligence."
