Red Bull Heir May Face Manslaughter Charge: Bangkok Hit-And-Run Crash

[webfact]

HIT-AND-RUN CRASH

Red Bull heir may face manslaughter charge

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Krating Daeng managing director Worrayuth Yoovidhya may face a charge of manslaughter over the hit-and-run crash that killed a Thong Lor policeman, Deputy Premier Chalerm Yoobamrung and senior police said yesterday.

Pol Maj General Anuchai Lekbamrung, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said Worrayuth, a grandson of billionaire businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya, may be charged with manslaughter depending on evidence.

Worrayuth allegedly drove a grey Ferrari that hit Pol Snr Sgt Major Wichean Klinprasert, who was riding his motorcycle on patrol duty early on Monday morning.

Wichean's body and motorcycle were dragged for 50 to 60 metres as the car failed to stop. Eyewitnesses said it sped into Worrayuth's luxury house off Sukhumvit Soi 53, not far from the scene of the fatal accident between Sois 47 and 49.

Anuchai said police would deal with Worrayuth straightforwardly, based on evidence and witnesses.

He said Worrayuth had so far been charged with reckless driving causing death and reckless driving causing death without providing help to the victim and informing authorities.

Chalerm said a fatal accident may be unavoidable - but police wondered why Worrayuth failed to stop and dragged the body for so far. He said the Supreme Court had ruled in the past that a driver, who dragged a body for such a distance, was guilty of attempted murder.

"When he hit the motorcycle, it was not known whether the victim was dead - but when he dragged the body for 200 metres more, the intention changed," Chalerm said.

Worrayuth claimed the policeman abruptly cut in front of his Ferrari, meaning he could not stop or swerve to avoid the crash.

However, Anuchai said, feeds from a security camera showed Worrayuth was speeding toward Ekkamai, and crashed directly into the rear of the victim's motorcycle. Experts had yet to establish the estimated speed of the Ferrari. There was no security camera at the crash site, he said, only clips of the officer riding past the camera and of the speeding Ferrari.

The deputy Metropolitan Police chief said police were waiting for results of a blood alcohol level test on Worrayuth to determine whether to lay drunk driving charges against him.

Anuchai denied that police tried to help Worrayuth by testing his blood alcohol level in the afternoon although the accident happened early in the morning. He said the test was conducted later in the day because investigators conducted several tests, including collecting DNA samples and fingerprints inside the Ferrari car.

"We have tried to collect the most evidence. We will definitely help the suspect but we will deal with the case based on evidence," Anuchai said.

He said Suwet Hom-ubol, the chauffeur and aide of Worrayuth, would also face charges for making a false statement claiming he drove the Ferrari when it killed the policeman.

Anuchai said Thong Lor crime suppression inspector Pol Lt Colonel Pannaphol Nammueng faces a probe for getting Suwet to pretend to be the suspect in the fatal hit-and-run case.

Thong Lor police chief Pol Col Chumpol Pumpuang said Pannaphol was close to Worayuth's family and he might face both disciplinary and criminal action following an investigation.

Metropolitan Police chief Lt Gen Khamronwit Thoopkrajang said he ordered the probe against Pannaphol be completed by tomorrow. He said a senior person called him not act against Pannaphol but he ignored the request.

Chalerm said he was the person who didn't believe Suwet's claim he drove the car, so he asked police to interrogate him until he admitted he was lying. He said Pannaphol would definitely face more than secondment to an inactive post.

-- The Nation 2012-09-05

[KeyserSoze01]

Well, this topic made the evening news cycle in the US. Grandson of Red Bull founder arrested for hit and run, killing local police officer. They even covered the fact that the BiB attempted to cover up the incident. Not good.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/world/asia/red-bull-heir-arrested-in-traffic-death-in-thailand.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2197528/Vorayuth-Yoovidhya-Red-Bull-heir-accused-killing-policeman-hit-run-accident-Ferrari.html

There has there been a spike in Ferrari related crashes in Asia lately, topped by today's incident in Thailand. There was the recent incident in Singapore which has caused a backlash against wealthy foreigners there. The accident was caused by a wealthy Chinese investor in Singapore that ran a red light, hitting a taxi broadside and killing 3 people. It appears that those with wealth feel they are entitled to drive as they wish with little to no repercussions. That is until they kill innocent bystanders.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-25/ferrari-deaths-fuel-anti-foreigner-anger-before-singapore-poll.html

The entire thing was caught on video.

[noitom]

This story made it to CNBC front page today. http://www.cnbc.com/id/48895859 . Chalerm seems to have it sized up correctly based on the news. In that it became a "premeditated" murder, attempted murder or certainly manslaughter at the very least - once he decided to keep driving with the motorcycle and the human being attached to the Ferrari and banging around on the asphalt for 3 football fields of city road. This not counting attempting to have a company driver take the fall and the police obstructing justice by shielding the real driver.

[webfact]

Red Bull heir case to be wrapped up this month

BANGKOK, Sept 5 – The hit-and-run death of a Bangkok police officer involving an heir of the Red Bull energy drink creator is expected to be wrapped up this month with some witnesses questioned and some CCTV camera footage reviewed, a senior police officer said Tuesday.

Investigators have questioned four witnesses who confirmed that Vorayuth Yoovidhaya, a grandson of the owner of the Red Bull empire, was the driver of the Ferrari sports car which hit the motorcycle of the police officer early Monday, said Pol Col Chumpol Pumpuang, superintendent of Thonglor police station.

Pol Senior Sergeant Major Wichian Klanprasert was killed in the hit and run.

More witnesses will be summoned for questioning and the case will be wrapped up within this month, Col Chumpol said.

Police are gathering evidence from surveillance cameras at the spot where the sports car hit the police officer's motorcycle after some footage has been received.

Pol Maj Gen Anuchai Lekbamrung, deputy Bangkok police chief, said that the investigation has made much progress after footage from three CCTV cameras revealed that the car ran at a high speed.

The police are seeking more circumstantial evidence to learn the suspect’s real intention. Additional charges may be filed against the suspect after the results of alcohol test in the suspect’s blood are known.

Regarding the local police superintendent who tried to cover up the crime by turning in a bogus suspect, Col Chumpol said Thonglor crime control inspector Pol Lt Col Pannapon Nammuang who has been transferred to an inactive post is being probed for trying to get the Yoovidhya family driver charged for a crime he did not commit. Col Pannapol has close relations with the family. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-05

[LuckyLew]

The disgusting thing is that if the guy driving the car had stopped

the car immediately after hitting the BIB and called for help, there is

a chance the BIB could still be alive.

What a sad and deplorable thing to do, to knowingly drag someone

to his death after hitting him with your car shows what kind of person you

are.

What a horrible way to die ... RIP

The the officer who tried to cover up the crime ... another sad showing by

this BIB. How the hell can you do this when one of your colleagues gets killed?

Should be fired, shamed and jailed ... but this is Thailand

[ttelise]

This story made it to CNBC front page today. http://www.cnbc.com/id/48895859 . Chalerm seems to have it sized up correctly based on the news. In that it became a "premeditated" murder, attempted murder or certainly manslaughter at the very least - once he decided to keep driving with the motorcycle and the human being attached to the Ferrari and banging around on the asphalt for 3 football fields of city road. This not counting attempting to have a company driver take the fall and the police obstructing justice by shielding the real driver.

Exactly what I said in other thread which brought out the you don't know shizzle about the law. Simple accident turned into murder when dude drove off with dude under his car. Not only stupid, but a completely unecessary act likely causing death.

[BookMan]

I'm sure Worrayuth feels he is above the law and only time will tell us if that is correct

[Heng]

Yeah, and poor and downtrodden drivers always stop and remain at the scene. But there's not much feeling of resentment towards those folks, eh?

[Puyai]

Anuchai denied that police tried to help Worrayuth by testing his blood alcohol level in the afternoon although the accident happened early in the morning. He said the test was conducted later in the day because investigators conducted several tests, including collecting DNA samples and fingerprints inside the Ferrari car.

Shocking statement. Do they really think people are that stupid?

[jerrysteve]

It will be interesting to see the out come, but I think we a ll have a pretty good idea what it will be.

A judge or judges will get bought off, no jail time and that will be the end of it. case closed.

Edited September 4, 2012 by jerrysteve

[Mosha]

If the world is watching, it could be interesting.

[Bung]

Anuchai denied that police tried to help Worrayuth by testing his blood alcohol level in the afternoon although the accident happened early in the morning. He said the test was conducted later in the day because investigators conducted several tests, including collecting DNA samples and fingerprints inside the Ferrari car.

Shocking statement. Do they really think people are that stupid?

Exactly. There were only enough investigtors in BKK to do one task at a time? Quite simple to pick a guy up and take hime to a hospital for a blood test. Just goes to show the power of this family, it took 6+ hours to get access to the main suspect.

[asiawatcher]

Now the media is reporting a 50 to 60 metre drag not 200 metres Don't tell me the interference with the facts are already starting to be downplayed... You only need to look at the damage to realise this was an incredibly high speed hit, hardly premeditated murder as per the OP. This is a kid in the hands of a high powered machine pushing it and like the majority of Thai's, hasn't got a clue how to drive. Oh well, the smoke and mirrors started back at the attempted cover up by framing another employee, and then the blood tests... conducted nearly 12 hours after the fact to 'comply' with having done so. They are really trying to paint this kid a break I would say.

[dcutman]

I would say the odds are very good this kid will never see a jail cell. The only question is how this will be explained to the press and to the public when he goes free.

It might be the same as the girl in the motorway incident, young man was so cooperative the sentence was suspended. Fines, and compensation, of course will be paid.

Edited September 5, 2012 by dcutman

[noitom]

As previous news and maps reported - the "hit came at soi 47. However the motorcycle was affixed to the front of the Ferrari and dragged until the motorcycle dropped off at Soi 49 and the human body at Soi 53. The actual "hit" could have been an accident, the crime started when he continued driving, and compounded when he kept driving.

He hit the motorcycle from the rear so who knows whether it was accidental or something else. Let's give the driver the benefit of driving wrecklessly and committing accidental homicide. That would have been the case if he stopped immediately and rendered assistance to the victim, called an ambulance..etc.

The basic facts, even before any whitewashing is possible, clearly suggest premeditation in the moments following impact, attempted murder, and/or negligent homicide.

[rijb]

Must be the car ... Ferrari crash and cover-up in China.

[cup-O-coffee]

And the show goes on...

[pitrevie]

Our illustrious Interior Minister Chalerm is quite right. It really is disgraceful when an alleged perpetrator flees the scene of a crime and then relies on a powerful well connected father to get him off scot-free. Its very gratifying to note that standards are being set at long last and who better than Interior Minister Chalerm the scourge of the drug dealers.

[GentlemanJim]

Now the media is reporting a 50 to 60 metre drag not 200 metres Don't tell me the interference with the facts are already starting to be downplayed... You only need to look at the damage to realise this was an incredibly high speed hit, hardly premeditated murder as per the OP. This is a kid in the hands of a high powered machine pushing it and like the majority of Thai's, hasn't got a clue how to drive. Oh well, the smoke and mirrors started back at the attempted cover up by framing another employee, and then the blood tests... conducted nearly 12 hours after the fact to 'comply' with having done so. They are really trying to paint this kid a break I would say.

I would say the odds are very good this kid will never see a jail cell. The only question is how this will be explained to the press and to the public when he goes free.

It might be the same as the girl in the motorway incident, young man was so cooperative the sentence was suspended. Fines, and compensation, of course will be paid.

Guy's, please! Regardless of how old you are personally, this 'Man' is not a kid. He is a 27 year old 'Man'.

I hope my wife is wrong, but she is sick to death of this kind of thing. She is adamant that this is all now just news and media hype to keep the masses calm by thinking justice will be done, and in the fullness of time this guy will walk, a free man.

[saltandpepper]

What kind of justice will he be brought to?

What more does the justice system need?

The adult was driving his car on Sukhumvit at 05:30 am (approx).

He hit a motorcycle from behind. He does not stop, does not try to help.

He dragged both bikes and rider on a fair long distance.

He then fled the scene, and found shelter at home.

One high rank cop comes to his father's house and tries to cover up.

Then, higher rank cop comes in, can not see the driver for several hours, does not ask any check on driver to see if he drunk or not at the moment he can get hold of him. Same cop makes a statement that first cop will be prosecuted.

Cops have the victim, scene evidences, the car, the driver. In the tragic accident, one cop lost his life. There was attempted cover up by both driver's entourage and police. And still, the Ferrari driver walks out and sleeps at home.

So now, what will be the result? I am no fortune teller, but I have the idea that soon it will be forgotten, some will be richer, a Ferrari will still be strolling Sukhumvit with the same driver at the wheel, and life will go on. Did you say justice?

[rijb]

And it will be a new Ferrari strolling ...

[Gonzo the Face]

Blood test hours later

Fingerprints NOW

as if the fingerprints were going to evaporate into thin air

but we all know what the results of the alcohol level would be 10 - 12 hrs later...

Seems like somebody has the priorities reversed.

Somebody called it..... they really do think that the public is stupid

[Thai at Heart]

I wonder if they have confiscated his passport?

[jaltsc]

"Worrayuth, a grandson of billionaire businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya, may be charged with manslaughter depending on evidence. Worrayuth allegedly drove a grey Ferrari..."

Unfortunately the evidence will be lost in the basement of the investigator's new house.

Has anyone driving a Ferrari, which wasn't stolen, ever been convicted of a motor vehicle crime in LOS?

[theoldgit]

I'm not sure if they use the countback procedure in Thailand, alcohol is absorbed into the body over a period of time, if a blood sample is taken some hours later they can calculate how much alcohol was in the bloodstream at the time of the alleged offence.

As I say I don't know if they use this method here, or even how long after the alleged offence the blood can give a meaningful reading.

[RogueExpat]

He will probably end up pleading guilty to a lesser version of man-slaughter. Most likely a 3 year suspended sentence, 200 - 400 hours of community work, make merit once per year for three years, and make compensation with the family of the deceased.

How do I know?

This exact scenario happened to a business aquaintance of mine. Drunk, drove his Benz into a motorcycle, killed the driver, drove off, sobered up and handed himself into the police station the next day.

[OzMick]

Did the CCTV show the alleged smoke obscuring vision?

[Bagwan]

Yeah, and poor and downtrodden drivers always stop and remain at the scene. But there's not much feeling of resentment towards those folks, eh?

Why you have inserted a smiley into your post beggars me. This is not a matter of any level of hilarity. At the risk of being accused of being a fully paid up of the English Grammar Gestapo, I think that your sentiments, which will be shared by the vast majority of posters here, would have added emphasis if you completed the first sentence with a question mark. A smiley, in my view, is totally out of order.

[ttelise]

Must be the car ... Ferrari crash and cover-up in China.

The mid engine V8 are made to separate there in high speed side impacts. I have seen a half dozen or so 360 and 430 that split at firewall and almost all occupants survived. Deceases deceleration and Gs dramatically.

Cars are getting really quick. I was only hitting 3.5 0-60 in 2003 with a 996tt that had 300 more horsepower than stock. That's pretty common place now in exotics. These things are getting so quick with traction control they are getting away from people.

That 599 accident is horrible. Remember seeing that a while back.

[jerrysteve]

NICt to see the International Press carrying this story...It would be even nicer if the International Press stays on top of it (which is highly

doubtful) for the world to get a view of the lack of rule of law here.

It would be nice for foreigners to get a real view of the how easy it is for judges to be bought off for as little as a 40 Baht cup of coffee or less.