New judicial blow: Red Bull heir Vorayuth in the focus of investigators!

New judicial blow: Red Bull heir Vorayuth in the focus of investigators!

Thai authorities have reopened the investigation 13 years after Vorayuth Yoovidhya's fatal Ferrari accident. Vorayuth, grandson of the co-founder of the Red Bull empire, was involved in an accident in Bangkok in 2012 that killed a motorcycle police officer, Wichian Klanprasert. At the time of the accident, the then 27-year-old was behind the wheel of the Ferrari and fled the scene after dragging the victim around 200 meters. The Yoovidhya family is believed to be the majority owner of Red Bull and is worth around $45 billion.

In the years following the incident, many charges, including speeding and hit-and-run, became statute-barred as Vorayuth frequently missed court dates, often citing illness or time abroad. These delays have led to widespread public debate about justice and accountability, especially since two former prosecutors have already been convicted of tampering with accident records. The attorney general plans to appeal the acquittals of other officers involved accused of altering evidence, seen as a move against unequal treatment in legal cases.

Investigations and legal challenges

The main focus of the new investigation is manipulating the speed of the Ferrari in which Vorayuth was driving. In particular, prosecutors are preparing an appeal against the acquittals of six defendants, including senior police officers such as former national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung. These officials are accused of altering the evidence to exonerate Vorayuth. It is argued that tampering with the evidence resulted in charges of negligent driving leading to the fatal crash being dismissed.

The last remaining allegations against Vorayuth, in particular negligent homicide, expire in September 2027. These new findings and the authorities' reactions are widely seen as a signal that the Thai justice system may also be taking action against powerful families. The development could increase the legal pressure facing Vorayuth, who left the country in 2017 and now lives mostly in London, where his family owns property.

Hit and run regulations in Thailand

The issue of hit-and-run and the associated penalties has recently received increased attention in Thailand. Thai authorities have increased penalties for hit-and-run; People involved in such cases face up to three months in prison or fines of between 2,000 and 10,000 baht. Penalties vary depending on the severity of the incident, particularly if injuries or deaths occur. The focus of the new regulations is on increasing road safety and ensuring driver accountability.

Influential factors that lead to hit-and-run accidents are often fear of legal consequences or lack of valid licenses. Authorities are encouraging the public to report hit-and-run incidents and urging drivers to strictly follow traffic laws. These measures are part of a comprehensive plan to improve road safety and promote responsible driving.

The presumption of innocence continues to apply to all of the above-mentioned defendants. Given the ongoing investigation, public interest in the case will certainly continue.

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