Thai influencer dies after chugging two bottles of whisky to win around Rs 75,000

Songpeenong Hospital, where he was treated, said that initial reports suggest an acute heart failure from alcohol poisoning caused his death.

Thanakarn Kanthee, an influencer from Thailand known online as "Bank Leicester", died from alcohol poisoning after trying to guzzle down two bottles of whisky over a bet of 30,000 Thai baht ( Rs 75,228).

According to a report by the Thai Enquirer (TE), Thanakarn had been drinking the day before he was dared to perform this stunt. A witness stated that Thanakarn drank the first bottle of 350 ml whisky, then vomited, before drinking a second bottle and passing out.

Songpeenong Hospital, where he was treated, told TE that initial reports suggest an acute heart failure from alcohol poisoning caused his death. However, they are yet to confirm whether other factors may have played its part.

Bangkok Post reported that a video of Thanakarn performing the stunt went viral on the internet, where he is seen drinking quickly amid a cheering crowd at the party.

Police have reportedly arrested a man named Ekkachart Meephrom, aka “Em Ekkachart”, in Tambon Huai Sathon of Tha Mai district in Chanthaburi of Bangkok, in connection with the death.

During questioning, Ekkachart confessed to the offence, police said.

The incident reportedly took place at a birthday party organised by Ekkachart’s mother, Supranee Phoonkasi on December 25. Bail has been denied for the accused.

Thanakarn, a garland seller in Bangkok who garnered fame through improvised rap songs, used to attract customers reportedly by performing such acts previously too. He said he was willing to do it in order to support his impoverished family.

Reportedly, his grandmother raised him in the slums since he was 2 months old. Some netizens recalled one of Thanakarn’s social media posts that 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.”

The death sparked a barrage of criticism among netizens and members of the public.