The 2012 hit-and-run accident involving the Red Bull energy drink heir is believed to have dragged on because of a “flaw” in the police's handling of the high-profile case.
A fresh look into the incident focuses on why Vorayudh “Boss” Yoovidhya could not be indicted before the one-year statute of limitations on his speeding charge expired in 2013.
“Some police inquiry officials must have made a mistake,” acting city police chief Pol Lt Gen Sanit Mahathaworn said, as he accompanied deputy national police chief Pongsapat Pongcharoen yesterday to Thong Lor Police Station which handled the case in which its traffic officer died in an accident involving a Ferrari driven by Mr Vorayudh.
Pol Lt Gen Sanit denied he was pointing the finger at his subordinates for the unusually slow progress in the case. He said it is “my belief” and that the alleged flaw needs to be examined.
Police investigators initially charged Mr Vorayudh with reckless driving causing death and failing to stop his car to help a victim and forwarded the case to prosecutors.
However, it was sent back to the police as prosecutors also wanted to indict him for speeding after security camera footage showed he might have been driving at up to 170kph when the accident took place.
Mr Vorayudh challenged the prosecution and his request for police to question an additional six witnesses was granted by the Office of the Attorney-General. This caused a delay in the indictment of almost six months.
“The police sent the case to prosecutors before the statute of limitations ended,” insisted Pol Col Wiradon Thapthimdi, Thong Lor police superintendent for inquiries.
The case was handled according to procedures, he added.
However, his news briefing was cut short by Pol Gen Ponsapat, who said certain issues involving the statute of limitations had not yet been clarified.
Pol Col Wiradon, then an inquiry officer, is one of six officers who were assigned to the case after the deadly accident, according to Pol Gen Pongsapat, citing an initial case examination.
The team also includes former Metropolitan Police Division 5 chief Pol Maj Gen Krit Piakaeo.