Thailand’s ‘Michael Jackson’ jailed over fatal drink-driving crash

A Thai court has sentenced Manasawin Nantasen, a singer once dubbed Thailand's Michael Jackson, to two years in prison for killing two people while driving under the influence. The incident occurred in October 2024 when Nantasen, known for his energetic performances in the late 1980s and 1990s, struck a stationary motorbike on a Bangkok bridge.

The collision resulted in the immediate death of a 28-year-old woman on the motorbike. Her 21-year-old brother was thrown from the bridge and sustained critical injuries, later succumbing to them in hospital. A video of Nantasen kneeling in apparent grief at the scene went viral, drawing public attention in a country where influential figures are sometimes perceived to be above the law.

The criminal court in Bangkok convicted Nantasen of "drunk driving resulting in loss of life." While acknowledging his surrender and beneficial testimony, the court also noted his remorse, including attending the victims' funeral and providing compensation. However, his driver's license was revoked.

The sentencing comes amid ongoing public debate about accountability for the wealthy and famous in Thailand. The article references other high-profile cases, including that of Vorayuth Yoovidhya, heir to the Red Bull fortune, who faced accusations in a fatal 2012 hit-and-run but was never charged. Another case involved the son of a former MP, who was acquitted in a 2001 nightclub shooting due to weak evidence. These instances fuel public sentiment that justice may not always be applied equally.

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The defendant surrendered and provided testimony beneficial to the case.