Police blamed for failure to extradite ‘Boss’
PUBLIC PROSECUTORS are unable to request the extradition of Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya on charges relating to a 2012 fatal hit-and-run case because police have failed to identify his current address, according to officials.
“It’s the duty of police to investigate and find out where he has gone into hiding,” Amnat Chotchai, director-general of the Office of Attorney-General’s International Affairs Department, said on Thuesday.
Vorayuth is accused of hitting a policeman with his Ferrari, dragging the victim’s body for several metres and failing to stop the car to help man five years ago.
Earlier this year, Vorayuth left Thailand just days before his case went to court, leading to authorities being criticised for a perceived failure to strictly enforce the law against the billionaire suspect.
Police and public prosecutors are now under pressure to seek his extradition.
In response to criticism, police submitted a translation of the investigation report backing Vorayuth’s extradition last month.
But Amnat said yesterday that it was necessary that police also identify Vorayuth’s present address “or else we cannot submit the extradition request, even after we have already prepared all necessary documents for it”.
Amnat said the statute of the limitations for Vorayuth’s alleged failure to stop his car and help the victim would expire on September 3.
“If the process is delayed, that charge may expire,” he said.
The charge of reckless driving causing the death of another has 15-year statute of limitations.