Police have been ordered to take Red Bull heir Vorayudh "Boss" Yoovidhaya to meet prosecutors to formally charge him in court in connection with a fatal hit-and-run case from 2012.

Prayut Pethkhun, deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General, said on Friday that a letter had been sent to Thong Lor station asking its officers to take Mr Vorayudh to report to the chief prosecutor at the South Bangkok Criminal Case Office.

Officials are to bring with them the evidence needed to indict the young billionaire at the South Bangkok Criminal Court, he added.

Mr Prayut did not give the timeline for police to hand over Mr Vorayudh for prosecution, but several media reports said the deadline was the end of this month.

The decision by the OAG represents a major move in a case that has featured numerous delays and reinforced the public belief that the rich and connected get special treatment from the justice system

Mr Vorayudh, a grandson of the late energy drink tycoon Chaleo Yoovidhaya, is accused of slamming his speeding black Ferrari into the motorcycle of Pol Snr Maj Wichian Klanprasert, an officer at Thong Lor station, on Sukhumvit Road on Sept 3, 2012, and dragging the policeman to his death.

The decision by the OAG also came after public prosecutors rejected a request by the suspect for further investigations to be conducted.

Prosecutors had said earlier that calls by the suspect's lawyer for "fair treatment" had to be dealt with seriously and this had led to delays in prosecuting the case.

Mr Vorayudh had initially been charged with reckless driving causing death, failing to help a crash victim, and speeding. But the speeding charge expired after one year amid criticism directed at Thong Lor police for poor handling of the case.

An inquiry team set up to review the Thong Lor police found flaws, including failure to lay a charge of drink-driving. Mr Vorayudh was changed with "drinking after driving" instead.

Mr Vorayudh has not been seen in public and reportedly has fled the country. His lawyer has appeared on his behalf at a handful of court appearances to seek delays, claiming his client was ill.

The deputy OAG spokesman warned Mr Vorayudh that he could face an arrest warrant if he fails to follow the order to meet prosecutors.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by Bangkok Post

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