A Thai court on Wednesday sentenced Manasawin Nantasen, a 64-year-old singer dubbed Thailand's Michael Jackson, to two years in prison for killing two people in a drunk-driving crash.
Fatal Crash Details
Manasawin, known as Tik Shiro, was driving across a bridge in Bangkok in October 2024 when he struck a stationary motorbike. Police reported that a 28-year-old woman on the bike was killed, and her 21-year-old brother was knocked off the bridge, sustaining critical injuries. He later died in hospital.
A video of the singer kneeling in grief at the scene went viral across Thailand, sparking debate about accountability for influential figures.
Court Sentence
The criminal court in Bangkok sentenced Manasawin to two years for “drunk driving resulting in loss of life.” The court statement noted that the defendant surrendered, provided beneficial testimony, showed remorse by attending the victims' funeral, and paid compensation to their families. However, his driver's license was revoked.
Context of Celebrity Impunity
The case comes amid public perception that the rich and famous in Thailand often escape justice. On the same day, rock musician Sek Loso was released from prison after serving just over a year for drugs and illegal firearm possession.
In 2012, Vorayuth Yoovidhya, heir to the Red Bull fortune, was accused of killing a policeman with his Ferrari but was never charged. In 2001, a son of former MP Chalerm Yubamrung allegedly shot a man dead in a Bangkok nightclub but was acquitted on weak evidence.
