Former national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmuang and former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, along with six others, are set to be arraigned by public prosecutors this Thursday in connection with their alleged mishandling of the 2012 hit-and-run case involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya. The charges relate to various actions that purportedly aimed to undermine the investigation and legal proceedings against Vorayuth, who was implicated in the fatal accident.
The other individuals facing charges include Pol Maj-Gen Thawatchai Mekprasertuk, Pol Col Veeradol Taptimdee, Chainarong Sangthongaram, Thanit Buakhiew, Chuchai Lertpongadisorn, and Associate Professor Saiprasit Kerdniyom. According to Watcharin Phanurat, deputy prosecution director-general of the Office of Investigation, the suspects will present themselves at the office before being transferred to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases for their formal indictment.
The charges against the suspects vary. Nate Naksuk is accused of malfeasance in office for his decision to dismiss the speeding charge against Vorayuth. Other suspects are alleged to have conspired to falsify the speed of the Ferrari driven by Vorayuth in the police report, a move intended to aid the Red Bull heir in evading legal consequences related to the speeding offense.
Watcharin noted that despite the involvement of high-ranking officials, he is committed to ensuring the facts of this high-profile case are brought to light. He estimated that the legal proceedings could take up to a year to reach a conclusion.
Vorayuth Yoovidhya, the son of Red Bull energy drink magnate Chalerm Yoovidhya, has been a fugitive since the accident, which occurred on September 3, 2012, when his Ferrari struck and killed a police officer from Thong Lor. At the time, Vorayuth was 27 years old. Over the years, several charges against him, including speeding and failing to assist the victim, have been dismissed due to the expiration of their statutes of limitations. The remaining charge, reckless driving causing death, carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and remains active until 2027.
It was reported that the case has been marked by numerous legal delays and procedural challenges. However, authorities now appear determined to press forward with the charges against those accused of misconduct in the handling of the case, seeking to ensure accountability in what has become one of Thailand’s most controversial legal sagas.
