BANGKOK — In a disturbing development that has shocked Thailand, authorities have arrested multiple individuals connected to the death of “Bank Lester” Thanakarn Kanthee, a 27-year-old TikTok personality with intellectual disabilities who died on Christmas night after being challenged to consume excessive amounts of alcohol for money.
Police have taken into custody at least two key suspects. The first, Ekkachat “M” Meeprom (35), was arrested at his house in Chantaburi province for allegedly encouraging Bank to drink two 350ml bottles of brandy in exchange for 10,000 baht per bottle. He has been denied bail and faces charges of negligent homicide.
According to court documents, the incident occurred at around 11 p.m. during a party at Om Sin Agriculture Shop in Chanthaburi province.
The second arrest was Theerawat “Bird” Srirong (36), who allegedly brought Bank to the fatal party. Bird is accused of regularly exploiting Bank, who has over 100,000 TikTok followers, for social media content. He was arrested at a coffee shop inside a PTT gas station in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province.
Bird faces charges related to uploading inappropriate content and potential human trafficking violations, as authorities continue their investigation.
During Bank’s funeral service at Wat Yu Dee Satthatham temple in Bangkok, several content creators who had previously exploited Bank came to seek forgiveness from his 80-year-old grandmother. Among them was Thanapol “Boat Own-wai” (40), who apologized for a viral video where he vomited on Bank’s head, and Alongkorn “Meng” (41), who admitted to paying Bank 2,000 baht to consume lubricant gel.
Social Development Minister Varawut Silpa-archa addressed the tragedy, calling for an end to the exploitation of individuals with disabilities for social media content. “While content creation has become a significant source of income, I urge society not to profit from others’ disabilities,” he stated.
Bank Leicester grew up in Bangkok’s slums under his grandmother’s care after his parents’ separation when he was just two months old. By age seven, he was selling flower garlands on the streets. He later gained social media fame through performing dangerous and degrading acts for money, including participating in underground fight clubs and various hazardous stunts.
The minister confirmed that Bank held a disability card issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The ministry is now reviewing additional support measures for Bank’s elderly grandmother, including potential housing improvements and elderly care allowances.
This case has sparked a broader discussion about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in Thailand’s social media landscape, with authorities emphasizing the need for stronger protections and support systems for people with disabilities.
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