By Matthew Hoffman
Live a life you will remember.
These words are prominent on Arisara Karbdecho’s Instagram page († 27). Now the influencer (1.5 million followers) from Thailand is dead – died after choking on kebab meat three months ago and falling into a coma.
According to media reports, the “constantly busy” woman apparently had a particularly stressful day in March. Between appointments, she wanted to eat quickly. A piece of meat got stuck in her windpipe, and Karbdecho – better known by her internet name Alicebambam – couldn’t breathe for several minutes.
Once at the hospital, doctors said the brain had been deprived of oxygen for too long. At 12:50 p.m. on June 6, the 27-year-old was finally pronounced dead. The funeral is scheduled for June 11. Fans and relatives can say goodbye at an altar.
Sirikanda Chaiburut, a friend of the deceased, wrote on social media: “We were shocked when the accident happened. But we all prayed that she would be better. I am devastated that she is gone forever.”
Alicebambam’s mother said: “I would like to ask all teenagers to take good care of their health, not to eat hastily and to get enough rest. I don’t want something like this to happen to anyone again.”
Arisara Karbdecho became known because she is said to have lost seven kilograms in a weight loss challenge in 22 days. The Asian woman also inspired her community with cosplay costumes (people dress up as manga characters).
The kebab is said to have been a Thai specialty: simple chicken skewers with rice – the dish is considered cheap street food.