Given a longer leash, Akararit says he won’t flee
Celebrity husband Akarakit “Benz Racing” Worarojcharoendet, facing money-laundering and other charges related to the prosecution of alleged drug kingpin Xaysana Keopimpa of Laos, vowed on Wednesday to clear his name.
Appearing in Ratchadapisek Criminal Court to request a further bail extension pending trial, the professional motorcycle racer, who is married to television star Napapa “Patt” Tantrakul, said he would not flee justice.
Akararit was granted a seventh and final extension and ordered to appear again in court on May 29.
Narcotics Suppression Bureau investigators on Tuesday informed Akararit that he faced two additional charges under the Measures for Suppression of Narcotic Offenders Act. He is accused of obstructing justice and aiding in or abetting a crime and receiving assets or other benefits to accommodate a wrongdoing.
The original charge is laundering money for alleged drug smuggler Xaysana Keopimpa, who was arrested in Thailand in January and awaits trial separately. Akararit allegedly claimed ownership of a Lamborghini that investigators say was purchased with drug money.
Akararit had been freed on bail on condition that he not leave the country without court permission.