Thai “Michael Jackson” jailed for fatal drunk‑driving crash

A Thai court sentenced a singer known as Thailand’s “Michael Jackson” to two years in prison on Wednesday for killing two people while driving under the influence.

Manasawin Nantasen, who performs as Tik Shiro, rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s with his signature fedora, leather jackets and smooth dance moves, earning comparisons to the global pop icon Michael Jackson.

The 64‑year‑old was driving across a bridge in Bangkok in October 2024 when he struck a stationary motorbike.

Police said the collision killed a 28‑year‑old woman on the bike and threw her 21‑year‑old brother off the bridge, leaving him critically injured.

The brother later died in hospital from his injuries.

A video of the singer kneeling in grief at the scene went viral across Thailand, highlighting the perception that influential figures can sometimes act with impunity.

The Bangkok criminal court, on Wednesday, imposed a two‑year sentence on Manasawin for “drunk driving resulting in loss of life.”

The court noted that “the defendant surrendered and provided testimony beneficial to the case.”

It also said that Manasawin had shown remorse by attending the victims’ funeral and paying compensation to their families, but ordered the revocation of his driver’s licence.

In another celebrity case, rock musician Sek Loso was released from prison on Wednesday after serving a little over a year for drug possession and illegal firearms.

Many Thais feel that the rich and famous are not always held accountable.

In 2012, Vorayuth Yoovidhya, heir to the Red Bull fortune, was accused of driving his Ferrari into a policeman in a wealthy Bangkok neighbourhood, killing the officer on the spot. An investigation was conducted, but he was never charged.

A son of former Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yubamrung allegedly shot a man dead in a crowded Bangkok nightclub after a dispute in 2001, but was later acquitted due to weak evidence.

AFP