Crime Red Bull Heir at Centre as High-Profile Corruption Verdict Looms

[webfact]

Composite image for reference only

 

The curtain is set to fall today, April 22, on a gripping corruption case revolving around Red Bull heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya. Though not directly on trial, Vorayuth remains central to the case concerning evidence tampering in a 2012 hit-and-run incident. Today, the court will deliver its verdict on this high-stakes legal saga with major implications.

 

The case, identified as number 131/2024, sees former top brass such as Police General Somyot Pumpanmuang, once Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and Net Naksuk, former Deputy Public Prosecutor-General, facing serious allegations.

 

These key defendants are among a group of ten, including senior police and legal figures, accused of doctoring evidence in the initial investigation which dominated headlines across Thailand.

 

The controversy dates back to September 3, 2012, when Vorayuth, speeding in a luxury car, fatally struck Police Lieutenant Wichian Klanprasit, resulting in a fiery demand for justice.

 

 

 

At the heart of the charges is the alleged falsification of evidence related to the car's speed, which in turn affected a previous judicial ruling, temporarily shielding Vorayuth from prosecution.

 

This transformative turn from a straightforward hit-and-run into a scandal of public interest has fueled a call for accountability. Defendants include notable figures such as Police Major General Thawatchai Mekprasertsuk and Police Colonel Wiradol Thapthimdee, alongside numerous former law enforcement and legal officials.

 

As today's verdict looms, the accused remain on bail, each posting 200,000 Thai Baht, and must appear in court to hear the court's conclusion.

 

The outcome remains eagerly awaited by citizens looking for closure for the victim's family and accountability in the chain of alleged misconduct.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The THaiger

 

-- 2025-04-22

 

 

 

[JoePai]

It will be a fudge - due to the notable figures

[Emdog]

"...the accused remain on bail, each posting 200,000 Thai Baht, and must appear in court to hear the court's conclusion. "

All my bags are packed

I'm ready to go

I'm standing here   outside your door

hate to wake you up

but it's time to go...

[ozz1]

We all know what went on its corruption at the highest level 200k is nothing when you have millions  Dubai looking good this time of year again  Thai procedures are all about money

[Tropicalevo]

Never mind the corruption, arrest the little gobschite.

[Nickcage49]

This happened down the street from us when we were living in Bangkok. Just horrible. It's amazing how the rich and powerful literally get away with murder.

[hotchilli]

30 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Never mind the corruption, arrest the little gobschite.

No can do... he's a protected species

[klauskunkel]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

the accused remain on bail, each posting 200,000 Thai Baht

Oh look, they took a week's worth of interest from their accumulated illegal gains and posted it as bail...

[renaissanc]

Judge: "Thank you for the pastry boxes ... Ahemmm ... owing to the lack of evidence the case is dismissed and Boss may return home."

[Thumbs]

None of them did this out of the goodness of their hearts they got something out of it from the accused or his family but not seeing of them being prosecuted, taking a bribe is illegal but so is offering one

[PETERTHEEATER]

Has anyone ever seen this man's eyes? Perhaps he was wearing sunglasses on the night of the incident. And red lipstick.

[jcmj]

Let’s hope he is gay or just doesn’t want children. I would hate to see him, or his nannies, raise that entitled little child how to buy your way out of any situation and never have to be held accountable for anything you do. It’s going to be hard enough dealing with him upon his return free as Thaksin. 

[Purdey]

If the two are found guilty, and do flee the country, I would expect a red notice to be issued because, whereas Boss was not found guilty, they will have been.

[snoop1130]

Red Bull Heir Case: Sentences for Ex-Officials in Corruption Row

 

Photo courtesy of Fox News

 

In a significant development in the decade-long saga of the 2012 fatal hit-and-run case involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, a former deputy attorney general has been sentenced to three years in prison, while a former senior public prosecutor received a two-year sentence. These convictions are linked to their involvement in tampering with evidence in a case that has captivated public attention and raised serious concerns about judicial transparency in Thailand.

 

The case dates back to the early hours of September 3, 2012, when Vorayuth, driving his luxury Porsche at high speed, collided with Police Sergeant Wichian Klanprasert’s motorcycle, resulting in the latter's death. The incident quickly sparked widespread outrage and suspicion of foul play owing to the power and influence of the Yoovidhya family, founders of the Red Bull energy drink empire.

 

Today, high-profile figures involved in the case, including ex-national police chief Police General Somyot Pumpanmuang and Net Naksuk, confronted allegations at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Bangkok. The crux of the prosecution's case was the manipulation of evidence, including altering witness statements and the speed of the vehicle at the time of impact, aimed at mitigating Vorayuth's responsibility and potential sentence.

 

Among the accused were notable law enforcement and legal figures such as Police Major General Thawatchai Mekprasertsuk, Police Colonel Wiradol Thapthimdee, and Associate Professor Dr Saiprasit Kerdniyom. They faced accusations of aiding Vorayuth by changing crucial evidence – a move seen by many as an abuse of power designed to protect the wealthy heir from facing severe legal consequences.

 

 

 

Despite the severity of the allegations, the court proceeded to dismiss multiple charges, opting instead to impose selective penalties. Net Naksuk, then serving as deputy attorney general during the investigation, was sentenced to a three-year prison term for his involvement. Meanwhile, Chainarong Saengthong-aram, a former senior public prosecutor, received a two-year sentence. Both sentences were emblematic of a broader effort to address perceived corruption and misconduct within the Thai legal system.

 

Public reaction to the verdict was mixed; some saw it as a necessary step towards cracking the facade of untouchability within powerful elite circles, while others critiqued the verdict as insufficient. The responses reflect a palpable tension in Thailand, wherein the public's trust in the judiciary is frequently challenged by high-profile cases involving influential families and individuals.

 

This case is emblematic of the ongoing struggle in Thailand to combat corruption and ensure justice is served, irrespective of status or wealth. As the legal system grapples with the implications of such high-stakes cases, the sentences handed down today mark a pivotal moment in the continued fight for judicial integrity and accountability. These developments have reignited debates around legal reform and underscore the complexities of delivering justice in scenarios entangled with power and privilege.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger

 

-- 2025-04-22

 

 

[bdenner]

That's all very good BUT WHERE IS BOSS? And who else UP the food chain is still getting brown envelopes?

[JoePai]

Good but serve it in jail - not a hospital

[Tropicalevo]

27 minutes ago, bdenner said:

That's all very good BUT WHERE IS BOSS? And who else UP the food chain is still getting brown envelopes?

Probably in the Red Bull hospitality section in Bahrain last Sunday

[PETERTHEEATER]

28 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Probably in the Red Bull hospitality section in Bahrain last Sunday

I wonder which passport he used.

[Henk Langeweg]

Just a slap on the hand ... 

[Dogmatix]

While police chief Police General Somyot Pumpanmuang reportedly made billions on private placements of obscure small cap listed Thai companies that were performing badly but suddenly started doing better in private placements offered below market place.  Most of these companies started performing much better soon after the placements and he exited.  Soon afterwards the SEC changed the rules on private placements to prevent them from being offered below the market price which enabled outsiders to profit at the expense of existing minority shareholders who were diluted without the chance to buy into the placements themselves. However, while this private placement frenzy lasted it was incredible to see a serving police chief having the time, knowledge and experience to identify this hidden gems n the market which many professional investors were unable to do.

[Aussie999]

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

No can do... he's a protected species

There isn't even a Interpol Red Notice seeking his arrest.., one of our readers will argue the point, but facts are facts.

[crazykopite]

Corruption at its highest level money talks in Thailand money that has been obtained by corruption  now being passed on to the corrupt and so the circus continues and in a few years time the untouchable Boss will return to Thailand as a free man which is no different from the guy who enjoyed the luxurious of the police hospital I call these people The Untouchables and it’s all down to wealth 

[JAG]

3 hours ago, jcmj said:

Let’s hope he is gay or just doesn’t want children. I would hate to see him, or his nannies, raise that entitled little child how to buy your way out of any situation and never have to be held accountable for anything you do. It’s going to be hard enough dealing with him upon his return free as Thaksin. 

Looking at the pictures, and judging by his cowardice, I would doubt he has a good <deleted> in him!

[Liverpool Lou]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

The outcome remains eagerly awaited by citizens looking for closure for the victim's family

The single officer's family received closure when they agreed to accept a few million baht compensation from Vorayuth.

[Liverpool Lou]

8 hours ago, JoePai said:

It will be a fudge - due to the notable figures

Two of them have been given prison sentences.

[Liverpool Lou]

7 hours ago, Emdog said:

"...the accused remain on bail, each posting 200,000 Thai Baht, and must appear in court to hear the court's conclusion. "

Which they did.

[Liverpool Lou]

6 hours ago, ozz1 said:

We all know what went on its corruption at the highest level 200k is nothing when you have millions  Dubai looking good this time of year again  Thai procedures are all about money

They didn't go anywhere, they turned up to receive their sentences.

[Liverpool Lou]

6 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Never mind the corruption, arrest the little gobschite.

Thai police cannot arrest anyone outside their jurisdiction.

[Liverpool Lou]

6 hours ago, Nickcage49 said:

This happened down the street from us when we were living in Bangkok. Just horrible. It's amazing how the rich and powerful literally get away with murder.

No one in this case, literally, got away with murder...no one's even been charged with murder.

[Liverpool Lou]

5 hours ago, renaissanc said:

Judge: "Thank you for the pastry boxes ... Ahemmm ... owing to the lack of evidence the case is dismissed and Boss may return home."

B0llocks.  Jail sentences were issued and Vorayuth's case is still ongoing.