A seven-member committee has been set up to conduct a serious disciplinary investigation of former deputy attorney general Nate Naksuk's decision to drop a charge of reckless driving causing death against Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya.
The Public Prosecutors Commission (PCC) on Sept 21 appointed Thanapit Munphruek, former chief of the Department of Special Litigation under the Office of the Attorney General, to head the inquiry.
Another six members were appointed at a PCC meeting on Monday.
Pachara Yutidhammadamrong, the PCC chairman, said the six are:
- Chatipong Jeerapan, deputy attorney general (ex-officio member of the PCC);
- Chaowalit Wongsanoraseth, acting inspector-general;
- Suwich Chutrakul, acting director-general of the Prosecution Office Region 7;
- Anucha Wattanapa, acting deputy director-general of the Office of the Public Prosecutors Commission;
- Pol Maj Santi Murichan, a prosecutor attached to the Office of the Attorney General; and
- Mankiat Thanawichitpan, an inspector-general.
Mr Pachara said all seven members of the committee were experienced investigators.
He believed the serious disciplinary investigation of Mr Nate, who dropped a reckless driving charge against Vorayuth, would be completed in 60 days. The investigation could be extended twice, but not exeeding 180 days in total.
Mr Pachara said the PCC wants the investigation extended to also cover a prosecutor who might have been involved in changing the reported speed of the car driven by Mr Vorayuth.
In the early morning of Sept 3, 2012, Mr Vorayuth's black Ferrari crashed into the rear of the motorcycle ridden by Pol Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert on Sukhumvit Road. The policeman was killed and his body dragged a long distance down the road.
The statute of limitations on a charge of reckless driving causing death is 15 years, and the case will expire on Sept 3, 2027.