The heir to the Red Bull brand has been absolved of charges stemming from his involvement in a hit-and-run that killed a police officer in the Southeast Asian nation.
In September 2012, Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, whose grandfather was the co-founder of energy drink Red Bull, slammed his Ferrari into Thai motorcycle police officer Sgt. Maj. Wichean Glanprasert, killing the officer before fleeing the scene. On Thursday, authorities with the Royal Thai police informed Yoovidhya that charges of drunk driving, negligent death, and committing a hit-and-run were being dropped.
“We were informed by Office of Attorney General about their final decision not to indict Mr. Vorayuth Yoovidhya on June 12,” said Col. Sampan Luangsajjakul of the Royal Thai Police. “So, we have proceeded to inform him (Yoovidhya) about the decision and the revocation of arrest warrant.”
Glanprasert’s body was found by police officers who tracked motor oil fluid to the Yoovidhya family’s gated property nearby. Authorities surrounded Yoovidhya and executed a search warrant wherein they found his Ferarri smashed and all the airbags deployed. Yoovidhya was arrested and later released on bond. He claimed an alcohol test showing he was still over the legal limit to drive was because of a drink he had to calm his nerves after the accident.
Thanawut Sanguansuk, the deputy head of Thonglor police station, said all charges had been dropped after a high-profile game of cat and mouse during which the Red Bull heir would frequently “disappear” as authorities tracked him across multiple locations over the past decade.
Yoovidhya’s father is worth more than $20 billion, making him the second-richest man in all of Thailand.
