Akarakit "Benz Racing" Worarojcharoendet faces new drug-related charges which carry much harsher penalties, but remains free on bail and insists he has no intention of trying to flee.
The 30-year-old husband of actress Napapa "Patt" Tantrakul was earlier charged with laundering drug money and conspiracy to launder money, offences carrying prison terms of one to 10 years, a fine of 20,000-200,000 baht, or both.
On Tuesday, police charged him with abetting drug-related offences and accepting assets in return, under Section 6 of the Measures for the Suppression of Offenders in An Offence Relating to the Narcotics Act.
- Earlier report: Harsh new charges for 'Racing Benz'
The section provides for punishment equal to that for the associated drug offender. The Narcotics Act sets punishment at up to life imprisonment.
Mr Akarakit showed up with his lawyer at the Criminal Court in Bangkok Wednesday morning for approval of the seventh and last detention period by police and the extension of his bail in the money laundering charges. The detention period was set from Wednesday until May 28.
Lawyer Sitthichoke Trinet said the possible punishment arising from the additional charges was far more serious than the old charges.
However, Mr Akarakit would not file a complaint as he had already presented all documents and answered all investigators' questions, Mr Sitthichoke said.
Despite the additional serious charges, Mr Akarakit had never tried to interfere with any witness or evidence. This showed he was ready to go through the justice system and would not try to flee, the lawyer said.
Benz: 'No intention of trying to flee'
Mr Akarakit always insisted he had never been involved in any drug offence, Mr Sitthichoke said.
Mr Akarakit appeared calm at the court Wednesday. When asked to comment on the charges against him and his wife, he said, "There is never a thought of escape. We have always been cooperative and are waiting for the justice system. Evidence will be presented for defence in court."
Police suspect him of receiving and laundering money from the drug cartel of Lao national Xaysana Keowpimpha, 42. They do not believe he could afford the monthly 250,000-baht payments for a 20-million-baht Lamborghini in his name, based on income from his motorbike accessories business.