Thai police reopen criminal investigation against Red Bull heir
Bangkok, Aug 13 (efe-epa).- Thai Police announced on Thursday their decision to reopen the investigation against Vorayuth Yoovidhya, heir to the Red Bull company, for the deadly hit-and-run of a policeman in 2012 in Bangkok, after weeks of controversy over the alleged favorable treatment given to the billionaire.
Authorities will investigate Vorayuth for possible crimes of drug use and reckless driving – a charge that does not expire until 2027 – the assistant commissioner of the National Police Jaruwat Wisaya said in a press conference.
At the end of July it became known that the prosecution had closed the case a month earlier at the request of the police after they prescribed several crimes and had received new testimonies in favor of the wealthy heir.
After the enormous outrage that the decision caused in Thailand, the prosecution last week asked police to re-examine the case and alleged that two key pieces of evidence were not included in the previous resolution.
The authorities created a new investigative panel, which concluded Thursday with the decision to reopen the investigation before the blood tests of Vorayuth that reveal the consumption of cocaine and evidence of driving at high speed with his car through the center of Bangkok.
Jaruwat also said an investigation has been opened to determine the existence of crimes in the actions of at least 14 policemen involved in the report that requested the withdrawal of charges and who will also receive disciplinary sanctions.
On Sep. 3, 2012, Vorayuth was driving a black Ferrari through the streets of Bangkok at about 5.00 am when he collided with the motorcycle of Wichean Klinprasert, a 47-year-old policeman, who was dragged up to 100 meters.
According to the report of Professor Sathon Wijarnwanarak, from Chulalongkorn University, the car was traveling at about 177 kmph.
Wichean was killed instantly and an oil trail led the police to the luxurious Yoovidhya residence, and the scion’s lawyer at first said the car had been driven by Vorayuth’s attendant and driver.
The 35-year-old heir finally admitted he was driving the sports car and tested positive for cocaine use and a breathalyzer test, although police concluded that the defendant drank after the accident due to stress and the drug came from treatment. at the dentist.
Authorities promised to bring Vorayuth to justice, but he missed up to eight summonses, before eventually an arrest warrant was issued in April 2017, even though he was out of Thailand enjoying a lavish lifestyle.
Vorayuth is the grandson of Chaleo Yoovidhya, founder of Krating Daeng (Red Bull) in Thailand and who partnered with Austrian businessman Dietrich Mateschitz to launch the brand internationally in 1987. EFE-EPA
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