Interpol issues arrest warrant for Red Bull heir over 2012 hit-and-run incident in Bangkok
Interpol has issued an international arrest notice for the billionaire heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune, who is wanted in connection with a 2012 hit-and-run incident that killed a police officer in Bangkok.
Vorayuth Yoovidhya, 32, a Thai playboy nicknamed “boss”, skipped Thailand in April after repeatedly failing to meet prosecutors to address charges related to the death of Sergeant Major Wichean Glanprasert.
He flew to Singapore on one of the family’s private jets and his whereabouts are currently unknown, although reporters from the Associated Press traced him to his luxury home in London a few months ago.
The Interpol Red Notice has gone out to all 190 member countries, making international travel difficult without arrest.
It is believed that Yoovidhya was at the wheel of a Ferrari that struck Mr Glanprasert’s motorbike on a central Bangkok road, crushing him under the wheels before speeding off and leaving him to die. Police followed the trail of oil and brake fluid to Yoovidhya’s luxury family compound nearby.
Prosecutors have been unable to charge the accused, who is a member of Thailand’s fourth wealthiest family, because of his refusal to meet them. One of the charges – leaving the scene of an accident – will expire this Sunday, on the fifth anniversary of the officer’s death.
Yoovidhya will face the charge of causing death by reckless driving for the next ten years.
Meanwhile, the grandson of the co-founder of the Red Bull brand, has continued to enjoy a lavish, globe-trotting lifestyle, skiing in Japan, clubbing in London and partying on the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, according to an AP investigation.
The handling of the case has led to criticism of the police and prosecutors that the wealthy, well-connected scion has been allowed to act with impunity.
“We now have to wait to see what kind of responses we get from member countries,” Thai police spokesman Col. Krissana Pattanacharoen said. “We have been working on this case and pursuing it using all means.”
