The 2012 hit-and-run case involving the Red Bull scion Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya was negligently handled, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha admitted on Monday.
This statement comes after he was forwarded a report devised by Vicha Mahakun, chairman of the committee that was set up by the prime minister to scrutinize the investigation that took place in 2012, as allegations about misconduct have surfaced.
“Negligence has been detected in many parts [of the past handling of the case]. With these facts in hand now, the government will form a new committee to work on the five points [identified by the Vicha-led committee],” said Gen Prayut.
According to the prime minister, the issues identified cropped up due to law enforcement by certain officials, and it is not the failure of the entire justice system.
Gen Prayut, who admitted that the case should’ve been handled a long time ago, stated that it is feasible to start the investigation all over again.
Mr Vicha also addressed the case after submitting the full 100-page report to Gen Prayut on Monday morning. He said that Gen Prayut vowed to present the findings at the cabinet meeting today.
He also added that Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam also attended Monday’s briefing.
Following the meeting today, the prime minister will give an interview wherein the findings will be summarized for the public.
The report will then be made public as the PM wants to prove that the government intends to materialize its recommendations into action, said Mr Vicha.
Last week, Mr Vicha alluded that according to the report’s recommendations, both the police and public prosecution organisations must be reformed.
“The findings the PM will disclose tomorrow will clearly show who is at fault. The report contains everything and won’t leave any unanswered question. Names, positions and organisations [of the wrongdoers] are all in it,” said Mr Vicha.
The prime minister’s decision to rope in a panel to look into the case came after the public prosecutor chose to not indict Mr Vorayuth on a charge of reckless driving causing death.
Similar investigations were launched by the Office of the Attorney-General and the Royal Thai Police.
