An arrest warrant was issued for Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya by the South Bangkok Criminal Court on Friday.
The court approved the request for a warrant made by Thong Lor police after the Red Bull heir ignored a scheduled meeting with prosecutors for the eighth time on Thursday.
Forensic police inspect the motorcycle belonging to Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert of Thong Lor police station and the Ferrari driven by Vorayuth Yoovidhya following the accident on Sept 3, 2012. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)
Mr Vorayuth faces charges of hit-and-run and reckless driving causing death.
The arrest warrant has a 15-year life, starting on Sept 3, 2012 with the expiration date Sept 3, 2027.
Sept 3, 2012 was the day Mr Vorayuth crashed his Ferrari into the rear of a motorcycle ridden by Pol Sen Sgt Maj Wichean Klanprasert, chief of a patrol unit at Thong Lor police station, about 5.30am on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 47.
He subsequently fled to his house in Soi Sukhumvit 53 and stayed there for hours before coming out to surrender to police.
He was later released on bail. The policeman died at the scene.
National police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda said before the warrant was approved that police will ask UK authorities and Interpol to assist in returning him to Thailand. Mr Vorayuth would be immediately arrested by immigration police when he showed up at the Thai border, he added.
Nongnoot Saengpraphan mourns the death of her -husband, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert, at Wat That Thong on Sept 3, 2012. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)
The whereabouts of Mr Vorayuth are unclear, but he has been seen at international sporting events. He was last tracked down in London on April 5 by the Associated Press.
"Boss" has repeatedly postponed summomnses to report to prosecutors, including the latest one on Thursday when a lawyer again said his client had a prior engagement overseas.
The Office of the Attorney-General's senior representative at the South Bangkok Criminal Court asked Thong Lor police to proceed with obtaining an arrest warrant after the deadline for the lastest meeting passed at 4pm on Thursday with another no-show.