A breathtaking example of the power of the wealthy in Thailand emerged this week after the 27-year-old heir to the world-famous Red Bull energy drink empire ran over a police officer with his Ferrari and then continued on his way to his mansion — dragging the dead body 200 meters. In response, police initially tried to cover up the crime and even charged a scapegoat to protect Vorayuth Yoovidhya, grandson of Red Bull creator Chaleo Yoovidhya. It appears that the family driver was ready to take the fall for the family — a disgraceful act by the family and Vorayuth Yoovidhya.
Bangkok’s police commissioner, Comronwit Toopgrajank, promised a fair investigation. It was not hard to find the suspect. They just followed the blood and oil trail left by Vorayuth Yoovidhya as he drove his dented Ferrari home with a shattered windshield. He has now been charged with causing death by reckless driving but was released on 500,000 baht ($15,900) bail.
Thailand has a history of the wealthy getting away with murder . . . literally as the article below discusses.
The stories however do not mention any charges against family members who clearly arranged for the servant to take the fall or for the police officers who were complicit in the conspiracy.
Source: Daily Mail
I recommend this opinion column appearing The Bangkok Post. (One of two English language dailies here.)
http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/311541/yes-we-do-know-who-your-daddy-is
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/05/carradine-had-rope-around_n_211689.html
What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand.
Don’t ask Cher about it. Who is the bagel boy?
Mel, Actually, that is why the heir was arrested:
“[Bangkok’s most senior police official] told reporters: ‘A policeman is dead. I can’t let this stand. If I let this case get away, I’d rather quit.
‘I don’t care how powerful they are. If I can’t get the actual man in this case, I will resign.'”
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2197528/Vorayuth-Yoovidhya-Red-Bull-heir-accused-killing-policeman-hit-run-accident-Ferrari.html#ixzz25cHu52yJ
That is what they get for naming drinks after Indian Chiefs or Arizona propaganda.
He should have had a V-8.
BFTP: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Jo_Kopechne
The rich, they are different than you or me. For one thing they can buy their way out of most anything.
Seems the Thai police don’t share the fierce “vengeance for one of our own” ethos that seems so prevalent in the US.
I guess he used his Red Bull wings to fly the coop. The arrogance is palpable.
Thailand….. DC……Take your choice……