Thai Prosecutors Indict Ex-Police Chief Over Red Bull Heir's Case

Thailand's prosecutors have indicted former Police Chief Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung in connection with a cover-up of a 2012 Ferrari crash involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth ‘Boss’ Yoovidhya, who fled abroad. The case has highlighted the impunity enjoyed by the wealthy, with delayed legal proceedings running down the charges.

Prosecutors in Thailand have indicted a former national police chief, Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung, over an alleged cover-up of a 2012 Ferrari crash that involved a Red Bull heir and resulted in the death of a police officer.

The ex-police chief, along with seven other individuals, is accused of conspiring to alter the recorded speed of the Ferrari driven by Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, assisting him in evading a speeding charge. This case illustrates the impunity often enjoyed by Thailand's wealthy and well-connected elite.

Vorayuth, who is the grandson of Red Bull co-creator Chaleo Yoovidhya, fled Thailand after the incident, complicating efforts to bring him to justice. High-profile delays have marked the investigation, causing most charges to lapse, with only one charge of reckless driving causing death still standing, set to expire in 2027.

(With inputs from agencies.)