A 21-year-old social media influencer, Thanakarn Kanthee, popularly known as "Bank Leicester," tragically died after accepting a risky drinking challenge in exchange for 30,000 Thai baht ( ₹75,228) during a birthday party. Kanthee, who had intellectual disabilities, was encouraged by party attendees to drink two bottles of whisky in quick succession for the cash reward.
Despite completing the challenge, Kanthee soon collapsed from acute alcohol poisoning. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
His grieving mother described Kanthee as a trusting and naive young man, making him an easy target for exploitation. "He didn’t understand the danger he was putting himself in," she said, urging others to avoid similar challenges.
The tragedy has ignited outrage on social media and raised concerns over the rising trend of dangerous online dares. Thai authorities are now investigating the event, with possible legal action against those involved in coercing Kanthee into the deadly stunt.
Mental health advocates have called for greater protections for individuals with disabilities in the digital age. “This is a stark reminder of the dangers of peer pressure and harmful social media trends,” said a spokesperson from Thailand’s Mental Health Foundation.
As tributes flood social media, users are urging others to reject reckless stunts and create a safer, more compassionate online culture.
