Thailand prosecutors have indicted a former national police chief and several others in connection with an alleged cover-up of a 2012 Ferrari crash involving an heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune. The incident resulted in the death of a police officer.
The former Police Chief, along with the former Deputy Attorney General and six other individuals, were arraigned in a Bangkok court on charges of conspiring to alter the recorded speed of the Ferrari driven by Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. This alteration was allegedly done to help him evade a speeding charge.
Vorayuth, who is the grandson of one of the creators of Red Bull, was accused of crashing his Ferrari into a police officer's motorbike in 2012. Despite traces of alcohol and cocaine found in his bloodstream, he managed to escape justice by fleeing abroad.
The case has been marred by delays in the legal process, allowing most charges against Vorayuth to expire under the statute of limitations. Only one charge of reckless driving causing death remains, set to expire in 2027.
The former police chief and other suspects face charges of abuse of power for aiding an individual to avoid prosecution. They have been released on bail but are prohibited from leaving the country without court permission.
A panel appointed by Thailand's former Prime Minister found evidence of a conspiracy to shield Vorayuth from prosecution. The committee accused the deputy attorney general of acting illegally to protect Vorayuth, citing false evidence and insincere attempts to locate him.
The defendants are scheduled to appear in court for further questioning in September. The case has drawn attention to issues of impunity for the wealthy and well-connected in Thailand's legal system.
