The charge of cocaine abuse brought against Red Bull heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya during a hit-and-run case in 2012 has now lapsed because the statute of limitations has expired.

In Mr Vorayuth's case, the statute of limitations on the cocaine charge was originally to expire on Sept 3, 2022.

But when new narcotics laws took effect from Dec 9, 2021, the Narcotics Act of 1979 was cancelled. Under new law, the statute of limitations is five years.

As a consequence, the charge of cocaine abuse against Mr Vorayuth has automatically lapsed.

The only remaining charge against Mr Vorayuth now is reckless driving causing death, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and the statute of limitations is 15 years.

The statute of limitations on the reckless driving charge is due to expire on Sept 3, 2027.

Mr Vorayuth, then 27, was driving a black Ferrari that hit a motorcycle driven by Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert, 47, and killed him in the early morning of Sept 3, 2012.

He crashed into the rear of the police motorcycle on Sukhumvit Road. He then fled the scene to his home nearby.

He, through his lawyers, put off hearing charges seven times. It was not until April 27, 2017, that prosecutors finally charged him with reckless driving causing death and failing to stop and help a crash victim.

He fled on a private plane two days before he was due to face the charges.

A speeding charge was later dropped when the one-year statute of limitations expired. The charge of failing to stop and give assistance expired on Sept 3, 2017.

Mr Vorayuth has been seen many times overseas attending high profile sporting events. Thai authorities have been unable to find him.