Official expresses eagerness to share his side in court, claiming he was assisting a relative.
PUBLISHED: 30 Aug 2024 at 19:12
UPDATED: 30 Aug 2024 at 20:45
A former senior prosecutor has acknowledged his involvement with Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya in a high-profile 2012 hit-and-run case, citing the gesture as an act of compassion for a family friend.
Chainarong Saengthong-aram, one of eight defendants implicated in the mishandling of the case, allegedly manipulated the speed recorded for Vorayuth’s Ferrari during the incident, which resulted in the tragic death of a police officer. Initially reported at 177 kph, the speed was later adjusted to below the legal threshold of 80 kph.
The trial is set to commence in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Sept 10.
Chainarong expressed his desire to clear his name, stating he has been unjustly treated by various bodies, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). He intends to disprove allegations against him by demonstrating that evidence used by the NACC was edited.
“I will pursue a counter-suit, encompassing seven cases against the attorney general for misconduct and malicious prosecution,” Chainarong asserted.
When questioned about the integrity of his actions regarding Vorayuth’s case, he responded, “The accused is entitled, per the Criminal Procedure Code, to present evidence in his favor.”
He stated that his assistance to Vorayuth was motivated by personal ties, as the young man was a friend of his niece. Before intervening, he confirmed he reviewed relevant legal codes that permitted his involvement as a private citizen.
At the time, he served as a prosecutor in Criminal Court Division 6, but noted that the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Thong Lor police station, under the Bangkok South Criminal Court’s domain.
“As a prosecutor and a human being, there is nothing inappropriate about assisting friends or family when the case does not fall under my jurisdiction,” he remarked.
When asked if he received any compensation for his assistance, he replied, “Only a generous act of kindness for being a supportive friend. I received no financial gain; my records will confirm this.”
Vorayuth, now 39, faced numerous charges after the 2012 incident, but his lawyer successfully postponed court proceedings multiple times. Five years post-accident, he still had not been indicted, leading to an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court. He subsequently fled to Singapore on a private jet and has remained elusive, presumably residing in London.
Currently, only one charge of reckless driving causing death is still open, with the statute of limitations set to expire in 2027.
