Investigation panel pushes for ‘Boss’ case to be reopened

[webfact]

Investigation panel pushes for ‘Boss’ case to be reopened

By The Nation

 

 

The investigation committee looking into the Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya case will call on the attorney general to slap the suspect with charges of using cocaine and speeding. 

 

This decision was announced at the Office of the Attorney General on Tuesday (August 4) in the daily update on the investigation into the prosecutor’s decision to drop charges against the Red Bull scion, who allegedly ran over and killed a police officer in 2012. 

 

Meanwhile, Prayut Petchkhun, deputy spokesman for the attorney-general, said the decision to drop charges made by Nate Naksuk, director general of the Department of Appellate Litigation, was within the line of law. 

 

However, he said, the substance found in the suspect’s blood was reportedly cocaine and the attorney-general has decided to reopen the case as its statute of limitations is not yet up. 

 

As for speeding, an expert has been invited to provide an academic opinion at the Office of Forensic Science, which will be considered new evidence to reopen the case.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30392407

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-08-04

 

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[scorecard]

So the very very obvious question why wasn't he charged with having cocaine in his system right at the very start?

 

 

[dcsw53]

The Investigation Committee will re-open the case.

Attorney General will close it as he has no case to answer ( obviously ).
We carry on as before, what other conclusion could there be ? We live in Thailand, money does not talk, it shouts.

[Mak25]

But then again, if he was under influence and in case he was driving over the speed limit, he would have at least partial fault in the fatal accident and should then still be charged.

 

Ohh sorry, I forgot. This is Thailand...

Edited August 4, 2020 by Mak25

[webfact]

New evidence in Thai Red Bull hit-and-run case, says prosecutor's office

 

FILE PHOTO: Policemen examine a damaged Ferrari at the home of the late Red Bull founder Chaleo Yoovidhaya in Bangkok September 3, 2012. REUTERS/Stringer

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune was believed to have been driving much faster than initially thought when he was involved in a fatal hit-and-run in 2012, a prosecution spokesman said on Tuesday, in a case that has stirred anger in Thailand.

 

Vorayuth Yoovidhya was accused of crashing his Ferrari into policeman Wichien Klanprasert and dragging his body for dozens of metres before fleeing the scene.

 

He missed eight summonses to appear in court and his case raised angry questions about impunity for the rich. He was eventually charged with reckless driving causing death, with a statue of limitations until 2027, but his whereabouts are not known.

 

Last month, in a surprise move, police said the charges against him were being dropped.

 

But that decision was questioned in parliament and elsewhere and the police, the government and the Attorney General's office all said they would investigate.

 

A spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General said new evidence had been found about the speed at which Vorayuth was believed to have been driving when he crashed into the policeman, who was on a motorcycle, on a Bangkok street.

 

"This case is not over because the law says if there is new evidence, we are able to proceed," Prayut Phetkun, the office's deputy spokesman, told reporters.

 

Previously, the speed of Vorayuth's Ferrari at the time of the accident was allegedly 80 kph (50 mph) but Prayut said, according to an expert opinion not previously included in the police report, the speed was closer to 170 kph (105 mph).

 

"This is new evidence according to the law."

 

Vorayuth could also face a new charge because blood tests after the accident showed traces of cocaine, but he was not charged at the time due to a possible false positive from the use of other medication, Prayut said.

 

Vorayuth, the grandson of the late Chaleo Yoovidhya, creator of the Krating Daeng, or Red Bull, energy drink was 27 at the time of the accident.

 

Prayut said the Attorney-General's office would recommend that police re-investigate the case due to discrepancy over the vehicle's speed.

 

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Robert Birsel)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-08-04

 

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[colinneil]

New evidence, more BS, all they are trying to do is get themselves out of the hole they dug for themselves.

[greeneking]

2 minutes ago, colinneil said:

New evidence, more BS, all they are trying to do is get themselves out of the hole they dug for themselves.

Investigate the initial investigation team to see if any show signs of unreasonable wealth gathered in the last 8 years.

[anterian]

Only a lengthy prison term will restore some level of trust in the Thai justice system. 

[petedk]

He must have had sticky/faulty brakes. Slow, fast, slow depending on where he was seen and who saw him.

[Thaiwrath]

15 minutes ago, webfact said:

The heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune was believed to have been driving much faster than initially thought when he was involved in a fatal hit-and-run in 2012,

So, the deceased Mr Julachart Mardthong, and his "air marshall" friend are, or were, complete liars (as most people already knew).

We will never find out the story of these lying witnesses coming forward 8 years after the event, in defence of the spoilt <deleted>, unfortunately. 

[rkidlad]

Did they think they could just drop the charges and people wouldn't kick up too much fuss? Yes, that's exactly what they thought.

 

Well done to everyone who did kick up a fuss and who rightly condemned this decision. He won't be coming back to Thailand anytime soon, and his family are losing face quicker then they're losing cash for handing out bribes. 

 

An utter embarrassment for all involved in this cover up. 

[ChipButty]

Any chance the investigators could investigate the investigators who where investigating, Oh forget it

[bluesofa]

 

32 minutes ago, webfact said:

Previously, the speed of Vorayuth's Ferrari at the time of the accident was allegedly 80 kph (50 mph) but Prayut said, according to an expert opinion not previously included in the police report, the speed was closer to 170 kph (105 mph).

I thought the figure of 170kph was the one everyone has been quoting for years, not 80kph?

 

I was expecting to read Prayut had discovered Vorayuth's Ferrari had a flux capacitor fitted, and had gone back in time to clear himself.

[JonnyF]

I think the members of the investigation committee are looking for a slice of the action.

 

After all, using their logic everyone else has been paid off, why shouldn't they get a cut?

 

 

[PremiumLane]

This has gone past a farce to new levels of idiocy 

[GinBoy2]

Again another pointless thread, since those of us who know Thailand understand this has an inevitable outcome, always did.

 

A few underlings will get charged, like the Isaan servant. There will be a few committees set up to 'investigate' then it will all quietly be put to rest.

 

Many a farang newbie hasn't seen this lakorn repeated over and over.

 

Don't ever think Thai justice system comes even close to what you think of in the West. Once you cross that rubicon your outrage stops and you simply roll your eyes, like the majority of Thai's

[NanLaew]

A moving traffic violation and drugs charge. Wow! That will bring him scurrying back home tout de suite, eh? Why on earth didn't they think of that before all this wrongful death and vehicular homicide malarkey?

 

In the meantime, the person in the AG's office who made the decision to pursue speeding and cocaine charges better not ride a motorbike home from the pub anytime soon.

Edited August 4, 2020 by NanLaew

[DirtyHarry55]

Even if they reopen it the damage has already been done people have little faith in the justice system any more.

[Bender Rodriguez]

yeah, just another break failure ...they are importer of ferrari, so THEY should know, right

[Artisi]

1 hour ago, scorecard said:

So the very very obvious question why wasn't he charged with having cocaine in his system right at the very start?

 

 

Rhetorical question? 

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, scorecard said:

So the very very obvious question why wasn't he charged with having cocaine in his system right at the very start?

 

 

And the very obvious answer is .... I think we already know that one !

[Artisi]

1 hour ago, anterian said:

Only a lengthy prison term will restore some level of trust in the Thai justice system. 

That means there will be no restoration of trust....... 

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, DirtyHarry55 said:

Even if they reopen it the damage has already been done people have little faith in the justice system any more.

True of course, but if there was a 'trial by public discussion' of the unethical aspects of this case (and others) and that trial by public discussion forced the government/police/judiciary to become much more professional, much more balanced and push towards proper process and fair judgments maybe things might change..

 

But is the Thai public ready to become loud enough to start a 'trial by public discussion'?

 

No clear answer but I'm getting the feeling that the PM realizes that things can't continue like they have been and realizes that it's time to listen to the forward party, the students etc. 

 

But is there another 'player' pushing the PM?

 

 

[ukrules]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

the speed was closer to 170 kph (105 mph).

This I doubt very much. Hitting a bike at that speed would not result in it being wedged under the bumper and upright with minimal damage, it would be launched into the air like an aircraft taking off.

Edited August 4, 2020 by ukrules

[PatOngo]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The investigation committee looking into the Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya case will call on the attorney general to slap the suspect with charges of using cocaine and speeding. 

And what happens to the clowns that wanted it dismissed? Perverting the course of justice or maybe a pay rise??? ????

[RichardColeman]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

and the attorney-general has decided to reopen the case as its statute of limitations is not yet up. 

Call me an idiot, but I really cannot see why Thailand - and nearly all other countries - do not abandon this policy and say the Statute of limitations resets when someone re-enters the country. Idea of leaving for 10 years and being allowed back in any country is plain daft

[Scott Tracy]

Few things matter, and nothing matters that much. People's opinions don't matter. Their attention down is probably around 45 minutes.

 

8 years, this has been going on.

 

But there have been many perceived miscarriages of justice. Just refer back to Burmese killers of tourists not so long ago.

 

The poor and unsupported will get creamed and the hi-so and well connected will run away and get off scot free.

 

Ain't it all a bloomin' shame.... As the song goes.

 

 

[rkidlad]

A brilliant bit missing from the article is why police omitted the drink driving charge. Apparently his blood alcohol level was so high he wouldn't have been able to drive. The assumption was he drank after he killed the police officer and got home.

 

So there you have it, everyone. You ever get drunk and kill a police officer, etc. go home and wait it out. Keep on drinking as you don't want your levels to go down. The police will do the rest for you. 'Cause remember - there are no double standards here. 

[tomauasia]

Will the committee look into audits of the existing super wealthy generals 

[tomauasia]

Committee wasn't in on there slice of the cream pie. This is a open and shut case. Case dismissed and Thailand doesn't have a voting problem and the UK are deporting Yingluck and l was elected by Thais because they love me.