Thai Influencer Dies After Accepting Rs 74,000 As Part Of A Whiskey-Drinking Challenge

The 21-year-old's autopsy report revealed that his cause of death was 'acute heart failure'. He had been hired to chug whiskey bottles.

In a tragic turn of events, a rather daring challenge proved to be fatal for a young influencer from Thailand, who died after consuming copious amounts of liquor. According to news reports, the deceased, Thanakarn Kanthee -- popularly known as 'Bank Leicester' -- was a 21-year-old Thai social media influencer, who had been hired to chug whiskey at a party for 30,000 baht, or approximately INR 74,000. Kanthee used to be a seller of garlands, who got famous online after his improvised rap songs to entice buyers made their way into the digital world. Soon, he became quite a sensation and reportedly starred in some bizarre video challenges, wherein he agreed to consume large amounts of alcohol in exchange for money, besides consuming hand sanitiser and even wasabi.

According to the Bangkok Post, on December 25, 2024, Kanthee had been hired for a birthday party in the Tha Mai district, where he arrived at 11 pm. He was challenged to consume 'Regency whiskey', for which he was even offered 10,000 baht (INR 24,881) for every 350 ml bottle that he gulped down. At the end of the party, the influencer was even paid 30,000 baht, or INR 74,000 for chugging three whiskey bottles. But, some videos circulating on social media showed that while Kanthee quickly downed at least two bottles in 20 minutes, he started to feel unwell later on. After probably finishing his third bottle, he appeared sick. He started to vomit and also lost consciousness.

According to Thai media reports, the man was immediately taken to a hospital, but was pronounced dead at 3.40 am local time. His autopsy report purportedly revealed that he had suffered from 'acute heart failure', which was the cause of his death.

Later, the police arrested two other influencers in connection with Kanthee's death, one of whom admitted to daring him to take up the challenge. He, however, denied hiring him, or even knowing him personally.

Kanthee is survived by his 80-year-old grandmother. In the past, he would do risky challenges to support his family. One of his social media posts read, "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."