Interpol has issued a ‘red notice’ for Vorayuth Yoovidhya, grandson of Chaleo Yoovidhya, co-creator of Red Bull, over his role in a 2012 hit-and-run case in Thailand’s capital of Bangkok which left policeman Wichian Klanprasert dead.
Yoovidhya, accused of speeding in his Ferrari, causing the accident, and fleeing the scene of the crime, was never arrested over the incident. This sparked outrage in Thailand and raised questions of the fairness of the country’s legal system. Yoovidhya fled Thailand in 2017, the same year that the statute of limitations for his crime expired. While the charges against him were dropped in July this year, public outcry led to further investigations being launched against him including fresh charges of reckless driving causing death and cocaine use.
Thai police on Monday said they would seek the extradition of Yoovidhya after the red notice, with police spokesman Kissana Phathanacharoen saying the notice was issued last week after a Thai court approved an arrest warrant against him in August.
Yoovidhya’s current whereabouts are unknown.
The TCP Group, which is the parent company of Red Bull, had distanced itself from Yoovidhya.
“TCP Group would like to clarify that Mr. Vorayuth Yoovidhya has never assumed any role in the management and daily operations of TCP Group, was never a shareholder, nor has he held any executive position within TCP Group,” it said in a statement,
“The company would like to state that we are fully aware of the situation and truly understand consumer sentiments regarding the incident.”
Under an Interpol red notice, law enforcement officials in member countries are requested to locate and arrest those who are named by one.
