Bangsokorn: Thailand’s ‘Michael Jackson’ Bows in Sorrow Over Fatal Road Crash

Thai Pop Star Manasawin Nantasen Faces Reckless Driving Charge

Thai pop star Manasawin Nantasen, known as “Tik Shiro” and nicknamed “Thailand’s Michael Jackson,” has bowed in apology and expressed remorse over a fatal road crash that left a woman dead and her brother critically injured. The 63-year-old singer was driving his Hyundai people-carrier across a bridge in Bangkok when he hit a stationary motorbike, killing a 28-year-old woman named Tianporn and knocking her 21-year-old brother Chakkraphat off the structure, leaving him critically injured, according to police.

Police Charge Manasawin with Reckless Driving

Manasawin faces a reckless driving charge, with a maximum penalty on conviction of 10 years in prison, police said. Investigators are currently looking into whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol. The pop star is currently at a hospital for chest pain and is expected to cooperate with legal procedures.

A Responsible and Sincere Apology

Footage on social media shows Manasawin on his knees at the scene, apologizing to the victims and their families. “Throughout my life, I never imagined committing such an incident. It should not have happened,” he said, bowing deeply. Locals have praised his actions, saying they demonstrate a rare example of accountability from a high-profile figure in Thailand.

In Contrast to Previous Incidents

Manasawin’s actions are a marked contrast to some previous incidents in Thailand, where the rich and powerful have sometimes enjoyed impunity for their alleged actions. For instance, the heir to the Red Bull fortune, Vorayuth Yoovidhya, was accused of killing a policeman in 2012 and fleeing the scene. Another high-profile case involved a son of a Pheu Thai MP, who was allegedly involved in a shooting in a Bangkok nightclub, leaving a critical condition.

Thailand’s Poor Traffic Safety Record

Thailand has one of the worst traffic safety records in the world, with some 20,000 people killed on the country’s roads each year, according to the World Health Organization. The country’s poor road conditions, lack of safety measures, and reckless driving habits contribute to this alarming statistic.

Conclusion

Manasawin Nantasen’s actions serve as an example of the importance of accountability and responsibility, even for those in positions of power and influence. His apology and cooperation with authorities set a positive precedent for the Thai entertainment industry and the country as a whole.

FAQs

* What is the maximum penalty Manasawin faces for the reckless driving charge?
10 years in prison
* Has Manasawin cooperated with police investigations?
Yes, he is expected to cooperate with legal procedures
* What is the total amount Manasawin is paying for Tianporn’s funeral expenses and Chakkraphat’s medical costs?
100,000 baht (US$3,000)
* Has Manasawin been charged with any other crimes in the past?
No, this is the first reported incident of reckless driving involving the 63-year-old singer