Third-Generation Chaebol Touring Abroad After Killing Police Officer... Thailand's "Yujeonmuje" Outrage

Sports Drink Red Bull Founder’s Grandson
Local Prosecutors Drop Case After 8 Years
Thai Prime Minister Directly Orders "Catch Him Quickly"

In 2012, a third-generation chaebol heir who fled after hitting and killing a police officer on duty while speeding in a Ferrari under the influence of alcohol and drugs in Thailand has sparked fierce anger among the Thai public. Amid this, the Thai Prime Minister personally ordered an acceleration of the investigation.

On the 28th, the Bangkok Post reported that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged the police to use all possible means to bring Oranut Yuvitiya (37), the grandson of the co-founder of the global sports drink Red Bull, who caused the hit-and-run incident, to trial. Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri stated that Prime Minister Prayut ordered that Oranut be brought back to the country as soon as possible and that investigations into the involved officials be expedited.

Attended the 2016 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix, Orayut

Oranut, at the age of 27 in September 2012, was driving a Ferrari at a speed of 177 km/h in downtown Bangkok while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He then hit and killed a police officer who was on a motorcycle and fled the scene. Subsequently, the police accepted Oranut’s claim that he drank due to stress after the accident and consistently showed leniency by not applying charges for drunk driving.

Oranut was arrested immediately after the incident on five charges including speeding, hit-and-run, and reckless driving, but was released shortly after posting bail of 500,000 baht (approximately 18.76 million KRW). After that, Oranut repeatedly refused to appear in court eight times, citing illness or overseas business trips as excuses, and fled abroad in April 2017 when the court issued an arrest warrant.

After leaving Thailand, Oranut is known to have lived a luxurious life traveling the world, including attending Formula One (F1) races where the Red Bull racing team participates, using the company’s private jet.

Moreover, the Thai prosecutors’ decision not to indict in 2020, eight years after the incident, sparked controversy in Thailand over 'justice for the rich, injustice for the poor.' Following the non-indictment decision, anti-government protests by angry Thai citizens spread widely. In response, a fact-finding committee was formed under Prime Minister Prayut’s directive, and a reinvestigation was conducted. The committee’s investigation revealed evidence of organized protection by the prosecution and police, but Oranut has still not been punished.

Meanwhile, among the five charges against Oranut, the statute of limitations has expired for charges such as illegal cocaine use, leaving only the charge of negligent homicide. The statute of limitations for negligent homicide expires on September 3, 2027.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.