Red Bull Heiress Sues for Defamation Over Son’s Hit-and-Run Scandal

[webfact]

 

Chalerm Yoovidhya, the son of the Red Bull co-founder, has initiated legal proceedings against a TV presenter and a former police lieutenant colonel for defamation, demanding compensation of 50 million baht.

 

The accusations revolve around statements suggesting he used 300 million baht to influence the legal process surrounding his son Vorayuth ‘Boss’ Yoovidhya, who was involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident.

 

In the case presented by Chalerm's lawyer, Ampol Kaewpan, the allegations are directed at Ubonrat Thao Noi, a TV host, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanit Mahathavorn. Both are accused of making defamatory statements on a television programme that implied Chalerm bribed officials to help his son evade justice.

 

Vorayuth Yoovidhya, commonly known as 'Boss,' was implicated in a 2012 hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a police officer. Boss subsequently fled the country in a private jet, igniting widespread criticism about the privilege and impunity enjoyed by the rich in Thailand.

Chalerm's lawsuit is centred on a broadcast aired on 29 February, where the host claimed his 300 million baht efforts failed to aid his son significantly. The programme's segments were shared extensively on TikTok, garnering over 1.4 million views, which Chalerm’s legal team contends has severely damaged his reputation.

 

The lawsuit seeks not only financial compensation but also public apologies from the defendants. Chalerm demands these apologies be published on social media and in major Thai newspapers for seven consecutive days, along with the removal of the defamatory content.

 

The case has been accepted by the Criminal Court, with a preliminary examination hearing scheduled for 2 September. Ampol states that the 50 million baht defamation suit reflects the gravity of the false accusations and Chalerm's standing. He further specifies that similar actions will be taken against anyone disseminating false information.

 

This legal action highlights Chalerm’s determination to protect his family’s reputation and address what he perceives as widespread misinformation surrounding his son’s case.

 

Picture courtesy: Matichon Weekly

 

-- 2024-05-29

 

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[Mr Meeseeks]

This country is messed. 

[nobodysfriend]

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

has initiated legal proceedings against a TV presenter and a former police lieutenant colonel for defamation

 In a more liberal , less autocratic country , this ridiculous defamation law would not even exist . In this country it is nothing but a tool to silence the opposition and opinions that differ .

Here , you can , and will , be jailed for just expressing your personal view , even if that is correct and supported by facts .

Shame .

[lom]

Tell Chalerm Yoovidhya what you think of him and his son - don't buy his products.

[Denim]

 

 

The  whole Boss case is completely ridiculous.. 

 

Had Boss just manned up , admitted his guilt and paid a decent lump in compensation to the victims family it would all be done and dusted. Instead we have this farce that drags on and on with the monotony of Cornation Street and smells to high heaven.

[bob smith]

Only in Thailand folks!

 

bob.

[chickenslegs]

Red Bull Heiress?

24 minutes ago, webfact said:

Chalerm Yoovidhya, the son of the Red Bull co-founder, has initiated legal proceedings against a TV presenter and a former police lieutenant colonel for defamation

 

[phetphet]

50 minutes ago, webfact said:

This legal action highlights Chalerm’s determination to protect his family’s reputation and address what he perceives as widespread misinformation surrounding his son’s case.

He could always go on TV and explain what the widespread misinformation is, where is son is, and why he ran away and continues to hide.

Edited May 29 by phetphet

[Pouatchee]

taksin back, yinglak back soon... why not the red bull kiddie... 

[anterian]

29 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Red Bull Heiress?

 

gender fluid perhaps 😉

[Martin71]

Sad thing is they will probably win the case... oh well.. TIT...

[OneMoreFarang]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

This legal action highlights Chalerm’s determination to protect his family’s reputation and address what he perceives as widespread misinformation surrounding his son’s case.

 

Maybe they should convince their family member "boss" to come to Thailand and let a judge decide.

Or is too much transparency against the family ethics? 

[Purdey]

I guess it proves that if you don't have a witness, documentary evidence, admission of guilt, then defaming someone isn't a good idea.

[LS24]

7 minutes ago, Martin71 said:

Sad thing is they will probably win the case... oh well.. TIT...

If the defendants can't substantiate their claims, then yes. Even if they can substantiate their claims it may not go in their favour.

 

Who will bank roll their defense costs?

[jonclark]

"widespread misinformation"...aka the truth. lol 

 

If the father is so concerned about misinformation his son should return to put his is of the story - and lets remember he son is on Interpols Red list (allegedly) Maybe he should also consider sue Interpol for defamation as well. 

 

On a side note:
 

"Red Bull Heiress" eh - So Mr. Chalerm is actually a Mrs. Chalerm, right? Complete with a dress and stockings. 

Edited May 29 by jonclark

[daveAustin]

Prove that you didn’t influence process! How’s about banning that stuff in Thailand until the little pipsqueak is brought to justice!?

[BobBKK]

You could not make it up! Son flees arrest for killing a Policeman and his father sues for defamation.

[Liverpool Lou]

1 hour ago, nobodysfriend said:

1 hour ago, webfact said:

has initiated legal proceedings against a TV presenter and a former police lieutenant colonel for defamation

 In a more liberal , less autocratic country , this ridiculous defamation law would not even exist .

In this case, there is nothing "ridiculous" about his suing for defamation if the assertion was false.  These laws that protect individuals from slanderous and libellous defamation do exist in other countries!

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

This legal action highlights Chalerm’s determination to protect his family’s reputation and address what he perceives as widespread misinformation surrounding his son’s case.

Thanks to your son and all of the liars involved in the case, your family's reputation is 'down the pan'.

[Liverpool Lou]

1 hour ago, lom said:

Tell Chalerm Yoovidhya what you think of him and his son - don't buy his products.

Oh, yes, twenty AN posters will make a massive hit on Red Bull's bottom line!  Incidentally, what has Chalerm Yoovidhya done to you?

Edited May 29 by Liverpool Lou

[Liverpool Lou]

1 hour ago, Denim said:

Had Boss just manned up , admitted his guilt and paid a decent lump in compensation to the victims family it would all be done and dusted.

He did.  The family accepted a few million in compensation a long time ago! 

[Liverpool Lou]

32 minutes ago, jonclark said:

lets remember he son is on Interpols Red list (allegedly) Maybe he should also consider sue Interpol for defamation as well. 

There is a Red Notice but what could the father sue Interpol for when there is a warrant for Vorayuth's arrest?    Interpol is not interested in, nor has ever made any reference to Chalerm, neither has it defamed him.

[Liverpool Lou]

30 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

Prove that you didn’t influence process! 

He doesn't have to prove that he didn't do something, the person doing the defaming is the one that will have to prove his assertions.

Edited May 29 by Liverpool Lou

[Liverpool Lou]

32 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

You could not make it up! Son flees arrest for killing a Policeman and his father sues for defamation.

You could not make it up...some people are terminally unable to read and comprehend English.

Edited May 29 by Liverpool Lou

[Presnock]

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

Maybe they should convince their family member "boss" to come to Thailand and let a judge decide.

Or is too much transparency against the family ethics? 

must be waiting until the time limit on the remaining charges...haven't some already been dropped due to that reason?

[connda]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Boss subsequently fled the country in a private jet, igniting widespread criticism about the privilege and impunity enjoyed by the rich in Thailand.

So a defamation case will simply reinforce the veracity of "criticism about the privilege and impunity enjoyed by the rich in Thailand."  Dad should work with the Thai leadership to get "The Boss" home.  You know - the poor kid's on his deathbed, should be remanded to a hospital penthouse for a year, wear some medical props for a month while on parole, and Somchai's your uncle - Freedom.  Yingluck too seeing its now a proven recipe for cooking up pardons and avoiding the **** conditions the commoners scum are thrown into - all for the rich and wealthy only of course.  Plebs and commoners?  "Prison for you low-lifes."

Move along...nothing to see here.  👮‍♂️

[SpanishExpat]

I am SO BORED of this Thai Elite bullsh*t! Everyone knows that money/power has been used. In a decent country this clown would see his son once per week. And that just for 1 hour during his visits in jail!!!

Edited May 29 by SpanishExpat

[connda]

Just now, connda said:

So a defamation case will simply reinforce the veracity of "criticism about the privilege and impunity enjoyed by the rich in Thailand."  Dad should work with the Thai leadership to get "The Boss" home.  You know - the poor kid's on his deathbed, should be remanded to a hospital penthouse for a year, wear some medical props for a month while on parole, and Somchai's your uncle - Freedom.  Yingluck too seeing its now a proven recipe for cooking up pardons and avoiding the **** conditions the commoners scum are thrown into - all for the rich and wealthy only of course.  Plebs and commoners?  "Prison for you low-lifes."

Move along...nothing to see here.  👮‍♂️

Anyway - the kid's probably just going to mark-time until the statutes of limitations run out an then come back to Thailand and laugh in the public's faces. 

[spidermike007]

The defamation laws were written by sold out cowards, to protect rotten players from reprisals, due to bad service, faulty products and bad business. They have no place in today's world. They represent a heinous over reach of toxic power. 

 

Thailand deserves whatever comes its way as a result of this. Those insane and cowardly defamation laws have been around way too long. They were written and passed by sold out politicians, for men who sell inferior products, offer inferior services, and steal alot of money. And do not intend to be answerable to anyone. Perhaps some of that will change. 

 

For those of us who have been here a awhile, we know that positive change only happens here through utter embarrassment, humiliation, and a loss of face. It never happens because it is the right thing to do, or due to fairness or equity. So, it must be thrust upon them. Egg on the face can be a cure for many diseases and weaknesses. 

 

 

[1happykamper]

People who are not guilty do not take a plane out of Thailand and never return. 

 

Ridiculous lawsuit and disrespectful to all Thai people et al to think he is not guilty