Eight high-ranking Thai officials have been charged with withholding evidence in the investigation into a high-profile road accident involving the heir to the Red Bull empire.

The investigation into a high-profile road accident case involving Vorawut Yovidhya, the heir to the Red Bull energy drink empire, continues in Thailand. According to the Bangkok Post, eight high-ranking officials were brought before the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct on Thursday, accused of improperly investigating the incident.

The accused include former national police chief General Somyot Poompanmuang, former deputy attorney general Nate Naksuk and six others. They face multiple charges, the most serious of which is negligence in the line of duty.

Prosecutor Suwei Chompong filed a 19-page indictment in court. The charges were brought at the request of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which accused the defendants of improperly conducting an investigation.

A vital point of the indictment is the alteration of the Ferrari speed data driven by Voravuth Yovidhya. This led to the dismissal of the charge of reckless driving, causing death against him. The statute of limitations on this charge will expire in 2027, while other charges against him have already been dropped.

The court granted bail to the eight accused but barred them from leaving the country. They are due to file their pleas of guilty or not guilty on 10 September.

It may be recalled that Voravuth Yovidhya, son of Red Bull energy drink tycoon Chalerm Yovidhya, has been absconding since 3 September 2012. On that day, his sports car struck Senior Police Sergeant Vichian Klangprasert of Tong Lor police station. According to some reports, Voravuth may currently be in London.

Other key suspects in the case include:

• The former forensic police chief, Major-General Thawatchai Mekprasertsuk;
• Former Tong Lor police chief, Colonel Viradol Thapthimdi;
• Former automotive safety expert at the King Mongkut Institute of Technology, Saiprasit Ketniyom.

During the arraignment, General Somyot expressed concern and embarrassment at having to prove his innocence in court. He declined to comment on the prosecutors’ new action, saying the matter was already in the hands of the judges.

Prosecutor Suwei said state prosecutors would not oppose bail requests if the accused applied for provisional release.

The case has caused widespread public outcry in Thailand and has drawn attention to the issue of impunity for influential individuals. It also raises questions about the efficiency and transparency of the country’s justice system. Both local and international observers will closely monitor further developments.

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