Police Detain Chanthaburi Man in Gambling Investigation
PUBLISHED: 28 Dec 2024
Police have arrested a Chanthaburi man suspected of hiring a 21-year-old social media influencer who tragically died after consuming a large quantity of alcohol at a party.
The suspect, Ekkachart Meephrom, also known as “Em Ekkachart,” was taken into custody during a raid conducted by officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau and local police. The raid targeted his residence in Huai Sathon, Tha Mai district.
During the operation, police seized a firearm, bank passbooks, mobile phones, and SIM cards for further investigation regarding possible links to an online gambling website.
Authorities had also secured an arrest warrant against Meephrom for alleged reckless conduct leading to death, following the passing of Thanakarn Kanthee, known online as “Bank Leicester.” Kanthee’s death occurred after he allegedly consumed whisky as part of a drinking challenge at a party in Chanthaburi.
The incident has prompted significant backlash from the public, igniting conversations on social media. Video footage capturing the influencer engaged in the drinking challenge has circulated widely online. Witnesses reported that after consuming the whisky, Kanthee became unwell, collapsed, and later succumbed to his condition in a hospital.
