A court in Thailand handed a two-year prison sentence on Wednesday to Manasawin Nantasen, a musician frequently compared to Michael Jackson for his iconic style, following a deadly drunk-driving incident. Known as Tik Shiro, the 64-year-old performer gained popularity in the late 1980s and 1990s. In October 2024, his vehicle collided with a parked motorcycle on a bridge in Bangkok.
The crash resulted in the immediate death of a 28-year-old woman and caused her 21-year-old brother to fall from the bridge. The young man subsequently succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Images of the singer mourning at the site spread rapidly online, sparking national discourse regarding whether influential individuals face equal legal consequences in Thailand.
The Bangkok criminal court ruled that the singer was guilty of driving under the influence leading to fatalities. Officials noted that the defendant cooperated with authorities, contributed to funeral costs, and compensated the grieving families, which influenced the court’s decision. Additionally, his driving privileges were permanently revoked.
This sentencing coincides with a broader public conversation about legal accountability for the wealthy and famous in Thailand. Critics often point to historical cases, such as the 2012 Red Bull heir incident and the 2001 nightclub shooting involving a politician’s son, as examples where justice appeared elusive or insufficient for high-profile figures.
