Court Aims to Expedite High-Profile Trial Within Seven Months
PUBLISHED: 10 Sep 2024 at 20:10
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has set a seven-month timeline for the trial concerning the handling of the infamous 2012 hit-and-run incident involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya.
On Tuesday, all eight defendants, including former national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung and former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, entered not guilty pleas.
They face multiple charges, including dereliction of duty, with the primary focus being on the alteration of the recorded speed of the Ferrari driven by Mr. Vorayuth, which resulted in the dismissal of his charges for reckless driving that led to a fatality.
During the hearing, the court emphasized that it was reducing the trial period from the standard one year to seven months, citing the significant public interest in the case. It underscored its commitment to fair proceedings and called for adherence to the schedule for a prompt resolution.
The court instructed all parties involved, including defendants, their attorneys, and prosecutors, to avoid media interactions that could sway public perception and influence trial proceedings until the conclusion of the trial.
The prosecution’s evidence presented to the court comprises an extensive collection of 30,000 pages of documents, 21 individual witnesses, and additional material witnesses. The examination of this evidence is slated to commence on December 3.
The defendants were officially charged on August 29, following a thorough investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which found substantial mishandling of the case.
While the court granted bail to the defendants, it imposed travel restrictions, barring them from leaving the country without prior court approval.
On the night of September 3, 2012, Mr. Vorayuth’s Ferrari collided with a motorcycle operated by Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert in Bangkok’s Thong Lor area. Instead of assisting the victim, Mr. Vorayuth fled the scene, dragging the victim’s body for approximately 200 meters and failing to report the incident.
Following a protracted investigation, several charges were brought against him, but justice has yet to be served. After multiple court absences, he left the country in 2017.
Notably, key charges against him have been dismissed, including a speeding charge that fell victim to the statute of limitations in 2013 and another for failing to aid an accident victim which expired in 2017.
The remaining charge against Mr. Vorayuth, which entails causing death by reckless driving, carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and will expire in 2027.
