Former Thai police chief among 8 accused of covering up road accident that killed Red Bull heir

(Source)

Several high-ranking officials, including former Thai police chief Somyot Poompanmoung and former deputy attorney general Nate Naksuk, have been charged in connection with an alleged cover-up of a 2012 traffic accident involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya.

The officials are accused of conspiring to change the registered speed of the Ferrari Vorayuth was driving when he fatally hit a police officer, allowing him to avoid a careless driving charge. The case has long been criticized as a symbol of the impunity of Thailand’s elite, and a 2020 investigation uncovered “a conspiracy to damage the case from the outset,” according to former Supreme Court Justice Vichy Mahakhun. Despite the seriousness of the charges — including abuse of office and dereliction of duty — all eight defendants were granted bail but are not allowed to leave the country. The defendants are due back in court on September 10.

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