Picture courtesy of Naew Na

A case that refuses to fade

A long-running and closely watched case involving alleged efforts to help Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya evade justice has returned to the national spotlight, reigniting debate over evidence manipulation, forensic standards and accountability in Thailand’s justice system.

In 2012, Vorayuth's Ferrari hit and killed Pol Snr. On Sukhumvit Road, Vorayuth's Ferrari struck and killed Pol Snr. Maj Wichian Klanprasert, dragging the officer's body for nearly 200 meters.

After years of apparent stagnation, public interest surged again following the circulation of excerpts from an April 2025 court judgement that re-evaluated the Ferrari’s speed at the time of the crash — a single factor that has shaped nearly every legal outcome in the case.

Speed in the middle of the storm

The renewed scrutiny focuses on how the Ferrari’s speed was calculated and later revised.

In 2012, Pol Col Thanasit Taengchan of the Office of Police Forensic Science calculated the vehicle’s speed at 177 km/h, a figure consistent with reckless driving.

Years later, however, a new calculation emerged, placing the speed at 79 km/h—just below the legal threshold of 80 km/h. That lower figure became the basis for then deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk’s decision to drop the charge of reckless driving causing death, triggering widespread allegations of evidence manipulation.

Between 2016 and 2020, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigated irregularities in the handling of the case and ultimately charged former police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung and seven others with conspiring to alter evidence to shield Vorayuth from prosecution.

Two competing versions of the truth

In the recently publicised judgement, the court received only two sets of speed evidence.

• Set A: Speed under 80 km/h, supported by a central traffic expert, the court-appointed expert, and Dr Saiprasit Koetniyom, a former automotive safety specialist at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Bangkok.

• Set B: Speed of 177 km/h, calculated by Pol Col Thanasit, who testified for the prosecution.

The court found the two sets irreconcilable. It ultimately ruled that the credible speed range was 76–80 km/h, rejecting the 177 km/h calculation as scientifically unreliable, insufficiently verified, and contradicted by multiple expert opinions.

The judgement criticises Pol. Col. Thanasit’s methodology, noting that he relied heavily on CCTV footage despite lacking prior experience in speed-related accident physics. His calculations changed several times, further undermining their credibility, the court said.

Verdict: Acquittals and convictions

Because vehicle speed is a core element in determining negligence, the revised assessment significantly altered the legal interpretation of the case.

On April 22, 2025, the court acquitted six of the eight defendants, ruling there was insufficient evidence to prove they deliberately conspired to alter evidence with corrupt intent. Those acquitted were:

• Dr Saiprasit Koetniyom

• Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung

• Pol Maj Gen Thawatchai Mekprasertsuk

• Pol Capt Wiradol Thubtimdee

• Thanit Buakhiew

• Pichai Lertpongadisorn

Two former prosecutors were convicted:

• Nate Naksuk, former deputy attorney-general, was sentenced to three years in prison for dropping the reckless-driving charge.

• Chainarong Saengthongaram, a former senior prosecutor, was sentenced to two years for altering evidence to reduce the calculated speed to 76.1 km/h.

Legal community is divided.

The judgement has sharply divided opinion.

Several legal experts praised the ruling, arguing the court weighed the evidence professionally and resisted public pressure. They emphasised that the 177 km/h figure lacked scientific rigour and contradicted multiple expert assessments.

However, Pol Maj. Chavalit Laohaudomphan—one of the original forensic officers in the case and now a former People’s Party MP— has strongly disputed the court’s conclusions.

In a Facebook post on Dec 31, he insisted the Ferrari was travelling at extreme speed. He argued the collision was a rear-end impact, not a cut-in, and said the 79 km/h figure contradicted basic physics.

Pol Maj Chavalit maintains that even conservative calculations place the speed above 110 km/h and claims the revised estimate relies on flawed geometry and improper application of forensic principles. He has warned that judicial reliance on incorrect science could distort justice.

Appeal under way

Despite the acquittals, the Office of the Attorney-General filed an appeal in August 2025, seeking convictions against all defendants except the two already sentenced.

The Appeal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases is now reviewing the case. Under procedure, the appeal will rely solely on existing evidence, with no new witnesses allowed. A ruling is expected within 8–12 months.

Vorayuth still at large

The corruption case against officials is separate from the fatal crash case against Vorayuth himself.

Most charges in the crash case have expired under the statute of limitations. Only one remains: reckless driving causing death, which carries a 15-year limitation period expiring on Sept 3, 2027.

Vorayuth remains at large. An Interpol Red Notice has been issued, but he has not been apprehended. The case cannot proceed until he is taken into custody.

An unresolved reckoning

At the heart of the saga lies a single unresolved question: Was the Ferrari travelling at 177 km/h or under 80 km/h?

The answer has shaped public trust, legal outcomes, and perceptions of justice for more than a decade. Whether the appeals court upholds the acquittals or reopens accusations of evidence manipulation, it will mark a decisive moment in one of Thailand’s most scrutinised legal controversies, according to the Bangkok Post.

file photo

Key Takeaways

• Court re-evaluates speed evidence, leading to mixed rulings and public debate.

• Acquittals and convictions divide opinions on evidence integrity.

• Attorney-General's appeal pending, Vorayuth Yoovidhya still not apprehended.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-05

 

 

The number was recalculated from 177 to 79 which is barely under the limit. I wonder how much each Km/hr cost in brides.

minimal damage, definitely not a high-speed impact.

9 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

minimal damage, definitely not a high-speed impact.

I would agree, not 177 but certainly something above 79 but all irrelevant - it's the lies, cheating and bull<deleted> that followed that needs to be pursued and this criminal runt and those who covered it up need to be charged and to answer for their crimes.

Vorayuth will just wait for the statutes of limitations to run out and waltz back to Thailand and have a good laugh. Fyi - the last time I looked on the Red Notice public database, he was not listed on it. In the meanwhile a half dozen or so Thai citizens are thrown under the Ferrari bus in his stead.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

At the heart of the saga lies a single unresolved question: Was the Ferrari travelling at 177 km/h or under 80 km/h?

The answer has shaped public trust, legal outcomes, and perceptions of justice for more than a decade.

That's not "the heart of the saga". That's a distraction. The heart of the saga is whether being rich and well connected allows you to kill people with impunity and with no risk of incarceration.

I think the family of the victim got quite the settlement, and the guy has had to hide out away from Thailand, so there were consequences.

Wow all those Thai's got jail time and the rich kid is where ?

Now make it easy 177 km and 79 km total 256km divided by 2 is 128km an hour, is far too much and is reckless driving.. Besides the corrupted and incompetent investigators should be stripped of all their assets as it is probably not the first time they bend evidence... And it is ridiculous that Boss can travel around although many times is declared that he is sought by Interpol. But changing names in Thailand is very easy and not expensive so a bit more effort at F1 races should bring him in very quick

2 hours ago, webfact said:

On April 22, 2025, the court acquitted six of the eight defendants, ruling there was insufficient evidence to prove they deliberately conspired to alter evidence with corrupt intent.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Nate Naksuk, former deputy attorney-general, was sentenced to three years in prison for dropping the reckless-driving charge.

Wait - if the court dismissed the 177km/h speed and accepted the "scientific and independently verified" 79Km/h speed (under legal speed) and the acquitted six defendants stating that they did not alter evidence why did the deputy AG get sent to prison for dropping the reckless-driving charge?

2 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

Wow all those Thai's got jail time and the rich kid is where ?

Khun Boss would be at his gaff in London.

And the positive cocaine test was because he was just at the dentist.

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Now make it easy 177 km and 79 km total 256km divided by 2 is 128km an hour, is far too much and is reckless driving.. Besides the corrupted and incompetent investigators should be stripped of all their assets as it is probably not the first time they bend evidence... And it is ridiculous that Boss can travel around although many times is declared that he is sought by Interpol. But changing names in Thailand is very easy and not expensive so a bit more effort at F1 races should bring him in very quick

The convicted heroin dealer Thamanat Prompow has done it, what now, 3 times? Not to mention he is now a well respected Deputy Prime Minister, criminals are very welcome in Thailand, and revered by the locals.

59 minutes ago, Packer said:

And the positive cocaine test was because he was just at the dentist.

I gotta find me a better dentist.

1 more year then he can waltz back in free as Larry - wonder if he will?

If they have even a few seconds on CCTV with a decent timestamp, then isn't it a no-brainer to calculate the exact speed?

14 hours ago, webfact said:

An Interpol Red Notice has been issued, but he has not been apprehended.

Only one person wanted by Thailand on the Interpol Red Notice List and it's not him.

There are another 8 Thais on the list all wanted by Malaysia for people smuggling.

16 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Now make it easy 177 km and 79 km total 256km divided by 2 is 128km an hour, is far too much and is reckless driving.. Besides the corrupted and incompetent investigators should be stripped of all their assets as it is probably not the first time they bend evidence... And it is ridiculous that Boss can travel around although many times is declared that he is sought by Interpol. But changing names in Thailand is very easy and not expensive so a bit more effort at F1 races should bring him in very quick

128 km/hr is 8 km/h over the motorway maximum speed. Hardly reckless driving.

177 is a different matter.

That kind of damage is not 177kmh. No way. Sounds like they took it to the extreme both ways - he was probably speeding but at 177kmh in-city he'd probably be dead himself. Regardless- sounds like everybody else is going to jail except him...

There are several well respected and independent collision investigations bodies in other countries who would be available to review the evidence and provide an untainted opinion regarding likely speed. But just because they determine he was not exceeding a speed limit does not mean his speed was not reckless under the circumstances. Speed limits are maximums, not recommended levels in all circumstances.

He was dragged for 200m , the breaking distance for 80kmph is 69m, the breaking distance for 177kmph is around 160m

As soon as he hit him and carried on driving then became murder

Speeding is not the issue here. Look up the kids family name, then check on Red Bull/Krating Daeng and that answers all the questions.

This incident must have booked a nine-digit amount already, the fellow is running around freely with (what kind of) passport (they usually expire latest after 10 years). Associated Press found the gentleman on first attempt at his London residence while the Somchais and Yodsaks of the Royal Thai Police force were poking noses and, to this day, seem to have no clue where to start.

Assume that this all answers the questions, you are most welcome and may now kiss the ring!

What a farçe all this is .........

Boss's family could've settled with the victim's family in the very beginning for probably less than 10% of what they've spent covering it up and buying off literally the entire justice system in Thailand.

SO,

The moral to this never-ending saga is:

"Money Talks and Everything Else walks"

I don’t get it.

The court has ruled that the speed was less than 80kph. Like it or not, THAT IS the ruling.

So, like it or not, why is the reckless driving charge still outstanding? If I read the article right, below 80kph it’s not reckless driving….according to the law quoted.

Also, like it or not, the two people have been found guilty of tampering evidence to show a speed of under 80kph. But the court has ruled that the speed WAS under 80kph. So how can they be guilty of tampering evidence to prove the truth…..according to what the court says is the truth.

Before I get flamed, this Boss guy is a POS who is guilty of at least manslaughter and no way he should have got off Scot free. Clearly there was significant influence used to evade the law.

But at the same time, this latest ruling seems to contradict a whole bunch of stuff. So can it really be trusted? Who knows.

Doesn't the speedometer freeze upon impact?

What is the speed limit on Sukhomvit where the accident happened?

If he is innocent, why is he eluding?

23 hours ago, impulse said:

That's not "the heart of the saga". That's a distraction. The heart of the saga is whether being rich and well connected allows you to kill people with impunity and with no risk of incarceration.

I think the family of the victim got quite the settlement, and the guy has had to hide out away from Thailand, so there were consequences.

Yes. The rich can kill and get away with it.

Trump and his cohorts are a good example of that.

23 hours ago, impulse said:

That's not "the heart of the saga". That's a distraction. The heart of the saga is whether being rich and well connected allows you to kill people with impunity and with no risk of incarceration.

I think the family of the victim got quite the settlement, and the guy has had to hide out away from Thailand, so there were consequences.

Not sure he has been outside Thailand all this time.

How difficult can this be? As mentioned, they have CCTV evidence available so all you need to do is measure a clear distance the Ferrari traveled (get a tape measure on to Sukhumvit road) and the time it took to travel that distance and use your primarary school learnt calculation of Speed = distance/time.

As usual, this case just gets fishier and fishier as time goes on.

A long-running and closely watched case involving alleged efforts to help Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya evade justice has returned to the national spotlight, reigniting debate over evidence manipulation, forensic standards and accountability in Thailand’s justice system.

The wealthy family bought his freedom from justice... it's how Thailand rolls for the elites..

He will never be in jail.