On Tuesday, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases sentenced two former senior public prosecutors to prison after they were found guilty of aiding Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, heir to the Red Bull fortune, in escaping prosecution for a fatal hit-and-run in 2012.
Court Findings on Evidence Manipulation
At 9:30 AM, the court ruled that Netr Naksuk and Chainarong Saengthong-aram violated Article 172 of the Corruption Prevention and Suppression Act. They were proven to have collaborated in altering witness statements and diminishing the reported speed of Vorayuth’s Ferrari in official documents.
- Chainarong was sentenced to two years in prison.
- Netr received a three-year sentence.
Acquitted Defendants Await Release
Alongside the convicted prosecutors, six other defendants were acquitted yet ordered to remain in custody pending an Appeal Court decision. They 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
Defendants Accused of Tampering Evidence
The eight defendants faced charges of violating the Thai Criminal Code and anti-corruption laws by tampering with investigative evidence linked to Vorayuth’s case, which stemmed from a tragic incident that occurred on September 3, 2012.
Details of the Incident
On that day, Vorayuth allegedly drove his Ferrari at high speed in Bangkok, striking and killing Police Sergeant Major Wichian Klanprasert, who was riding a motorcycle. Reports stated that the force of the collision dragged the officer’s body for a significant distance, while Vorayuth fled without offering assistance.
Prolonged Legal Battle
Vorayuth’s repeated court absences over the years, citing health issues or foreign obligations, resulted in substantial delays and led to numerous charges expiring:
- Speeding: Expired in 2013
- Failing to stop after an accident: Expired in 2017
Public Outcry and Arrest Warrant
In April 2017, after failing to appear for the eighth time in court, an arrest warrant was issued for Vorayuth, who had reportedly fled Thailand. Interpol subsequently issued a red notice for his apprehension at Thai authorities’ request. In July 2020, prosecutors’ decision to drop all remaining charges against him incited widespread public outrage, viewed as a glaring example of the rich evading justice.
Charges Revisited After Public Backlash
Following new evidence emergence and public discontent, the Office of the Attorney General decided to review the earlier dismissal of charges. In September 2024, all eight accused were formally charged in the Central Corruption Court, maintaining their innocence. As of April 2025, Vorayuth remains at large with the only charge against him being reckless driving causing death, which has a statute of limitations extending until 2027.
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