Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya accused of killing policeman after Ferrari hit-and-run in Thailand

 

John Hall
Tuesday 04 September 2012 16:05 BST
Comments
The damaged Ferrari at the centre of hit and run claims
The damaged Ferrari at the centre of hit and run claims (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The heir to the Red Bull empire has been arrested on suspicion of killing a police officer in a hit-and-run incident in Bangkok, Thailand.

Police arrested Vorayuth Yoovidhya after tracing streaks of oil from the scene of the accident to his family’s estate in a wealthy neighbourhood of the Thai capital.

The 27-year-old admitted his involvement in the accident but says the police officer’s motorcycle cut in front of his vehicle abruptly.

He faces charges of causing death by reckless and escaping arrest, but was released on bail.

Bangkok's top police official, Lt. Gen. Comronwit Toopgrajank, said he took charge of the investigation after the local police superintendent tried to cover up the crime by turning in a bogus suspect.

Gen. Comronwit said he suspended the police superintendent for attempting to subvert the investigation.

"A policeman is dead. I can't let this stand. If I let this case get away, I'd rather quit," he said. "I don't care how powerful they are. If I can't get the actual man in this case, I will resign."

Gen. Comronwit said personally led a team of officers who searched the family estate, confiscating a Ferrari with a badly damaged front bumper and broken windscreen.

The Yoovidhya family was ranked the fourth richest in Thailand this year by Forbes magazine, with a net worth of £3.39 billion.

Red Bull creator Chaleo Yoovidhya died in his 80s in March, leaving his heirs a wide range of businesses, including shares in the brand, hospitals and property.

The family also co-owns the sole authorised importer of Ferrari cars in Thailand.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in