September 10, 2024: How long can it take for a simple fatal hit-and-run case to come to a conclusion? The answer is nobody knows, because it is still unfolding and one court hearing concerning related alleged malfeasance has not even begun yet.
When Vorayuth Yoovidhya, known as “Red Bull heir”, crashed his supercar into a motorcycle, killing a police officer, Yingluck Shinawatra was Thailand’s prime minister and very few people heard of Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, let alone Pita Limjaroenrat. At the time, the majority of the world’s population referred to Donald Trump as “Mr Miss Universe”. Who was Joe Biden, let alone Kamala Harris?
Leicester City, who pulled off one of the greatest sporting miracles in 2016, were not even in the Premier League when the road accident happened. (Ever since they managed the shocking title glory, Leicester City had languished in the English top flight, were relegated and have come back up.)
Also, the youngest member of the all-girl BNK48 generation was seven years old at the time. (The band that embraced her became a sensation a few years ago yet few are talking about it now).
What looked then like a solid fatal hit-and-run incident that took place under alleged influences of alcohol and/or drugs remains unsettled as of today, and it has transcended political ideologies. Everyone has been blaming everyone for the fact that the case has been dragging on so unbelievably and pathetically long. Several committees and sub-committees have been set up, and their only utmost impact is make the case sound even more ridiculous.
A former national police chief, Somyot Poompanmuang, will have evidence for and against him heard in court at the end of the year along with seven other suspects over alleged mishandling of the Vorayuth case. Will it conclude in December? Not a chance.
The suspects have denied the charges, and the court today has asked the media either pro or against Somyot to refrain from making public comments that could influence public opinions. The court cited “public interest” in the case among the key reasons.
Daily updates of local and international events by Tulsathit Taptim
