Police issue summons and deadline to Red Bull heir

Police issue summons and deadline to Red Bull heir

Suspect Vorayudh Yoovidhaya is brought to the Thong Lor police station for questioning on Sept 3, 2012 after an accident that killed Pol Snr Maj Wichian Klanprasert. (Photo by Kosol Nakachol)
Suspect Vorayudh Yoovidhaya is brought to the Thong Lor police station for questioning on Sept 3, 2012 after an accident that killed Pol Snr Maj Wichian Klanprasert. (Photo by Kosol Nakachol)

Thong Lor police have issued a summons for Vorayudh "Boss" Yoovidhaya to answer charges in connection with the 2012 hit-and-run death of a policeman, or he will face arrest.

The billionaire Red Bull heir has been given until May 25 to report to prosecutors, but authorities do not know where he is.

Interrogation chief Sarawut Detsri confirmed on Saturday that his Thong Lor station had received a letter from the Office of the Attorney-General to order Mr Vorayudh to meet prosecutors. Police followed up the order by issuing the summons.

Forensic police inspect the motorcycle of Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert and the Ferrari driven by Vorayudh Yoovidhaya following the accident that killed the policeman on Sept 3, 2012. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)

Pol Col Sarawut warned the suspect that an arrest warrant would follow unless he comes to meet the officers by the deadline. Police have not been in contact with him and are uncertain whether he is still in the country, he added.

Police have been ordered to take the 31-year-old billionaire to the South Bangkok Criminal Case Office, after which he will be indicted in the South Bangkok Criminal Court.

The youngest son of Red Bull executive Chalerm Yoovidhaya and grandson of the late founder Chaleo Yoovidhaya, Mr Vorayudh is accused of slamming his speeding black Ferrari into the motorcycle of Pol Snr Maj Wichian Klanprasert, an officer at the Thong Lor station, on Sukhumvit Road on Sept 3, 2012. 

Shortly after the accident, a Thong Lor police officer attempted to detain the Yoovidhya family driver, ostensibly to take the blame for a crime he had not committed. The officer was promptly transferred to an inactive post.

The lack of progress since then, and repeated court delays granted at the request of the family lawyer, have angered a public already convinced that the rich in Thailand never have to face justice.

Mr Vorayudh had initially been charged with reckless driving causing death, failing to help a crash victim, and speeding. But the speeding charge expired after one year amid criticism directed at Thong Lor police for poor handling of the case.

The public has not seen him since he was apprehended at the family home and released on bail shortly after the fatal accident. He reportedly left the country but it is not known where he is now.

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