RED BULL CRASH

National police spokesman Piya Uthayo has dismissed media reports that cocaine has been detected in the blood of Red Bull heir and hit-and-run suspect Vorayuth Yoovidhya.

The physical examination of Mr Vorayuth, who was charged with hit-and-run and drink-driving in a Sept 3 incident which killed Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert, is yet to be completed, Pol Maj Gen Piya said.

Any information about the test results of the suspect, who is a grandson of Chaleo Yoovidhya, the late founder of the Red Bull energy drink empire, would be confidential. He urged the media to exercise caution in reporting the story.

Mr Vorayuth admitted hitting Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian with his Ferrari, killing the patrol policeman in the early-hours incident on Sukhumvit Soi 47 in Bangkok.

After the incident, Mr Vorayuth's family requested that his blood be tested at a private hospital.

The blood was also sent to the state-run Ramathibodi Hospital for further laboratory examination, said Pol Lt Co Wiradol Thapthimdee, an investigator of Thong Lor Police Station responsible for the case.

High blood alcohol levels were confirmed but the type of other substances also detected in the test were not clearly indicated, he said.

"The blood test results came in medical terms in a foreign language, so they cannot be used as evidence yet," he said.

Meanwhile, Pol Lt Col Pannapon Nammuang, who allegedly attempted to make the Yoovidhya family's domestic caretaker a scapegoat in the case, had reported himself to the panel conducting a disciplinary probe against him.

Pol Lt Col Pannapon met the panel last Friday , one day after the day he was required to show up. He said he did not show up on the date requested because he did not want to face the press.

Pol Col Sunthorn, who heads the panel, said Pol Lt Col Pannapon would be questioned later before a conclusion is made whether he will be dismissed from duty.