Bank Leicester, a well-known Thai influencer, has tragically died after being hired to consume an excessive amount of alcohol in exchange for 30,000 baht (US$880). Known for his unique approach of rapping while selling garlands to support his grandmother, Bank had gained significant popularity online. His untimely death occurred at approximately 3.40am, reportedly due to the drinking challenge.
Bank, whose real name is Thanakarn Gandhi, was 21 year old. His story of overcoming adversity and poverty had resonated with many. Born into a family of modest means in a slum community, Bank’s parents separated when he was only two months old.
By the age of seven, he was selling garlands as his primary income, but his life took a turn when he began incorporating rap into his sales technique. This innovative approach quickly made him famous.
Bank’s income from his garland sales often ranged between 6,000 and 10,000 baht (US$175 to 292) per day. However, his path was not without challenges.
On one occasion, a group of four teenagers bullied him into eating pork bones, promising to buy all his garlands, only to deceive him afterward. This incident left Bank feeling deeply saddened and reflective about his life.
His rise to fame was marked by controversy, particularly following his appearance on a popular Thai talk show, where he made several claims involving well-known personalities. Bank spoke of having to drop out of school following a car accident that left him with a disability.
Influencer death
Despite this, he claimed to have purchased a house worth 10 million baht (US$292,483) and was continuing his education at Sarasas School, funded by a famous producer, Poj Anon. He also boasted a grade point average of 3.1.
During the same talk show, Bank alleged interactions with various celebrities, including meeting Moddam Kachapha at the GMM Grammy studio, who purportedly introduced him to Bird Thongchai, a famous Thai singer. Bank claimed Bird had invited him to perform at a concert. Additionally, Bank credited his rapping inspiration to well-known Thai rappers Joey Boy and Twopee.
Beyond garland selling, Bank had also worked as a video editor for a YouTube channel, showcasing his versatility. He further claimed to have been an independent actor, involved in several television dramas and films, and mentioned upcoming concerts with the artist Milli in Singapore and England, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he received.
However, following the broadcast of the talk show, Poj Anon publicly criticised the program for inviting Bank without verifying his background or the veracity of his claims. Poj Anon clarified that he had never supported or even met Bank, reported KhaoSod.
Similarly, another celebrity, Tukky Ching Roi, stated that Bank had visited the Workpoint studio and taken photos with famous personalities, which he then reportedly used to falsely associate himself with them.
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