Thailands attorney general ordered a new investigation Tuesday into the heir to the Red Bull billions accused of a fatal hit-and-run, following public outrage after his charges were dropped last month.<\/p>\n
Vorayuth Boss Yoovidhya was accused of killing a police officer in 2012 when he crashed his Ferrari in Bangkoks most exclusive neighbourhood.<\/p>\n
The case has dragged on for years, and Vorayuth the grandson of Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya and one of the heirs to the family fortune fled the kingdom in 2017.<\/p>\n
Last month, police and prosecutors said all charges against the 38-year-old had been dropped, including reckless driving causing death, citing new evidence.<\/p>\n
The move spurred widespread anger amplified by trending hashtags on Twitter such as #BoycottRedBull, as his case was perceived as an example of the impunity apparently enjoyed by the kingdoms powerful billionaire class.<\/p>\n
It also led to a rare statement by eight members of the sprawling Yoovidhya clan considered Thailands second-richest family according to Forbes who broke ranks to decry it.<\/p>\n
Under growing pressure, the attorney generals office, police and the prime ministers office have now each opened probes into why the charges were dropped.<\/p>\n
Following a review of the case, the Attorney Generals Office (AGO) announced Tuesday they will order police to conduct new investigations into the accident and Vorayuths alleged drug use.<\/p>\n
Traces of cocaine were detected in Vorayuths system after the accident, according to a police report.<\/p>\n
Police told a parliamentary committee last week that they had not pressed drug charges because Vorayuths dentist said the cocaine was administered for dental treatment.<\/p>\n
The AGO said it agrees to firstly inform police investigators to press charges against him on the use of cocaine, said Prayut Bejaguna, deputy spokesman.<\/p>\n
They must also open the new investigation on the charge of reckless driving cause death, which has seven years left on the statute of limitations.<\/p>\n
He cited new evidence showing discrepancies between the original police report of Vorayuths speed.<\/p>\n
The case is not over yet.<\/p>\n
Last week, a defence witness key to clearing Vorayuts name was killed in a motorbike accident in the northern city of Chiang Mai.<\/p>\n
Charuchart Martthong had told investigators that Vorayut was not speeding, an account apparently delivered years after the 2012 accident.<\/p>\n
The probes launched by multiple Thai agencies would likely have seen the truck driver questioned again.<\/p>\n
His sudden death on Thursday prompted premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha to order a new autopsy.<\/p>\n
The former army general on Tuesday urged for calm from the public, calling for them to be patient for the results of all probes.<\/p>\n
The Red Bull case has served as a fresh conduit for anger against Prayuts administration which enjoys close alliances with Thailands billionaire clans as it struggles with a flatlining economy due to the epidemic.<\/p>\n
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Thailand launches another probe in Red Bull heir's 'hit-and-run' - Macau Business<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Thailands attorney general ordered a new investigation Tuesday into the heir to the Red Bull billions accused of a fatal hit-and-run, following public outrage after his charges were dropped last month. Vorayuth Boss Yoovidhya was accused of killing a police officer in 2012 when he crashed his Ferrari in Bangkoks most exclusive neighbourhood. The case has dragged on for years, and Vorayuth the grandson of Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya and one of the heirs to the family fortune fled the kingdom in 2017 Continue reading