Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is expected to take 16 months to complete its investigation into alleged mishandling, by 15 officials, of the controversial hit-and-run case against Red Bull heir, Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, including both retired and active high-ranking police officers and senior prosecutors.
Ms. Supa Piyachitti, a member of Thailand’s corruption watchdog, said that the commission will, however, try to speed up the probe.
According to the NACC law, the 9-member full commission should complete such a case within two years, which can be extended for another year if necessary.
Ms. Supa said that the investigation panel will ask for the findings, concerning the high-profile case, by a House panel and other committees, including the one appointed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and chaired by Mr. Vicha Mahakhun, a former member of the anti-graft watchdog.
She added that some key witnesses will be summoned for questioning.
The incident in question occurred in the middle of the night of September 3rd, 2012, when Mr. Vorayuth, driving his Ferrari, collided with a motorcycle, being ridden Police Senior Sergeant Wichien Klanprasert, on Sukhumvit Road in the Thonglor area of Bangkok. The officer’s body was dragged by the car for a distance, before the officer fell onto the road and died.
The case dragged on for years, with one charge after another being dropped due to expiry of the statute of limitations, with the only remaining charge being one of reckless driving.
In July this year, however, the public prosecutor in charge of the case, with the consent of then deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, quietly dropped that last charge as well.
