Thai prosecutors are preparing to appeal the acquittal of a former national police chief and five other defendants accused of tampering with evidence in the long-running case against Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. The move comes more than a decade after the 2012 hit-and-run that left a Bangkok police officer dead and ignited public outrage over Thailand’s unequal justice system.
Background of the Case
In the early hours of September 3, 2012, Vorayuth, then 27, crashed his Ferrari into the motorcycle of Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert in Bangkok’s Thong Lor district. The impact killed the officer instantly, and Vorayuth allegedly dragged his body for nearly 200 meters before fleeing the scene. Rather than notifying authorities, he retreated to his family’s home.
The Yoovidhya family, heirs to the multibillion-dollar Red Bull energy drink empire, wields vast economic influence in Thailand. This connection has fueled widespread skepticism about whether the legal system could hold Vorayuth accountable.
Alleged Manipulation of Evidence
The acquittal at the heart of the appeal involves six defendants accused of altering evidence related to the speed of Vorayuth’s Ferrari. The reduced speed estimate undermined the charge of reckless driving causing death, one of the most serious allegations he faced.
Among those cleared in April 2025 were Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung, former national police chief, and several senior police officials and experts, including a forensic commander, a Thong Lor police investigator, and an automotive safety analyst. The lower court found insufficient evidence to convict them of deliberately manipulating the case to protect Vorayuth.
Prosecutors Push Back
Attorney-General Pairat Pornsomboonsiri has now ordered an appeal against this acquittal. According to Office of the Attorney-General spokesman Sakkasem Nisaiyok, the appeal will seek to overturn the ruling and hold the former officials accountable for undermining the investigation.
Notably, the attorney-general did not appeal the prison sentences of two other defendants. A senior prosecutor and a former deputy attorney-general were sentenced to two and three years in jail, respectively, for their roles in the case.
The Elusive Heir
Despite years of public anger and repeated court summonses, Vorayuth has never stood trial in Thailand. He fled the country in 2017 after failing to appear in court multiple times and is believed to reside primarily in London, where his family maintains properties.
Over time, several charges against him have expired due to statutes of limitations. A speeding charge lapsed in 2013, while a charge of failing to help the accident victim expired in 2017. The final remaining charge—reckless driving causing death—carries a possible 10-year prison sentence and will expire in September 2027 if he remains beyond the reach of Thai authorities.
Broader Implications
The case has come to symbolize widespread frustration with Thailand’s justice system, particularly its perceived leniency toward the wealthy and well-connected. Each development sparks renewed debate over whether money and influence can outweigh accountability.
The Yoovidhya family’s prominence has only grown during the saga. In 2025, Forbes ranked them as Thailand’s richest family, with an estimated net worth of $44.5 billion. Their fortune, however, contrasts sharply with the ongoing scandal tied to Vorayuth.
Looking Ahead
If the appeal succeeds, it could mark a turning point in holding powerful figures within law enforcement accountable for mishandling the case. Yet with the central suspect still abroad, questions remain about whether justice will ever truly be served for Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert and his family.
For many Thais, the case is more than a legal battle—it is a test of whether their justice system can deliver fairness regardless of wealth or connections. As the appeal moves forward, the world will be watching to see whether this high-profile saga edges closer to resolution or continues its cycle of delay and disappointment.
