BANGKOK: Two former senior public prosecutors were jailed by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Tuesday (April 22) after being found guilty of helping Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, heir to the Red Bull fortune, initially escape prosecution in a 2012 fatal hit-and-run case.
The court ruled that Netr Naksuk and Chainarong Saengthong-aram violated Article 172 of the Corruption Prevention and Suppression Act by collaborating to alter witness statements and reduce the reported speed of Vorayuth’s Ferrari in official investigation documents.
Chainarong was sentenced to two years in prison.
Netr received a three-year sentence.
Although six other defendants were acquitted, the court ordered all eight individuals to remain in custody pending a decision by the Appeal Court. As of press time, they were in the process of seeking temporary release.
The six acquitted individuals are:
Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung – Former National Police Chief
Pol Maj-Gen Thawatchai Mekprasertkul – Former Commander, Police Forensic Science Division
Pol Col Veeradol Taptim – Former Thonglor Police Officer
Thanit Buakhiew – Vorayuth’s Lawyer
Chuchai Lertpongadisorn – Former Senator
Assoc Prof Dr Saiprasit Kerdniyom – Automotive Safety Analyst
The eight defendants were charged with violating the Thai Criminal Code and the anti-corruption law by tampering with police investigative evidence to facilitate the dismissal of charges against Vorayuth following the Sept 3, 2012 incident.
On Sept 3, 2012, Vorayuth Yoovidhya was allegedly driving his Ferrari at high speed in Bangkok when he struck and killed Police Sergeant Major Wichian Klanprasert, who was riding a motorcycle.
The force of the impact reportedly dragged the officer's body for a considerable distance. Vorayuth allegedly fled the scene without stopping to offer assistance.
Over several years, Vorayuth repeatedly failed to appear in court, citing illness or overseas obligations. This led to prolonged delays and the expiration of the statute of limitations on several charges:
An arrest warrant was finally issued in April 2017 after Vorayuth failed to appear in court for the eighth time. By that point, he had reportedly fled Thailand. Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest at the request of Thai authorities.
In July 2020, the decision by Thai prosecutors to drop all remaining charges against Vorayuth caused widespread public outrage, seen as a prime example of impunity for the wealthy and well-connected.
Following public backlash and the emergence of new evidence regarding the car’s speed, the Office of the Attorney General announced a review of the decision to drop the charges.
In September 2024, eight individuals were formally charged at the Central Corruption Court for allegedly mishandling the investigation, altering case files, and assisting Vorayuth in evading justice. All eight pleaded not guilty.
As of April 2025, Vorayuth Yoovidhya remains a fugitive. The only remaining charge against him is reckless driving causing death, which carries a statute of limitations until 2027. - The Nation/ANN
