DRAGGING OUT
Almost five years after Thong Lor policeman Wichian Klanprasert, 48, was hit and killed on Sukhumvit Road by a black Ferrari driven by Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, the case against the driver has moved at a snail's pace.
THE SNAIL TRAIL Sept 3, 2012
The Ferrari collides with the policeman's motorcycle about 5.30am, killing him. Mr Vorayuth surrenders to police and confesses he was the driver at about 10.30am
2013 March 4
Police investigators wrap up their investigation report and forward it to prosecutors with a two-count recommendation — reckless driving causing death and failing to stop and help a crash victim — and drop two other charges — drink driving and speeding
May 2
Prosecutors indict Mr Vorayuth on three counts — the two suggested by police and add one more, speeding
Sept 2
Mr Vorayuth via his lawyers submits a letter seeking to delay reporting to prosecutors citing illness, resulting in prosecutors failing to indict him
Sept 3
The statute of limitations on the speeding charge expires
2014 June 24
Mr Vorayuth petitions prosecutors seeking fairness and asks for more witnesses to be questioned. His lawyers also ask authorities to defer issuing an arrest warrant. Prosecutors summon him to report on April 25, 2016
2016 April 12
The Red Bull heir seeks another postponement, saying he is busy and on overseas trips. Prosecutors agree to postpone the appointment to May 26 and request police bring him to the meeting
May 26
Thong Lor police inform prosecutors that Mr Vorayuth has requested another postponement while he petitions the National Legislative Assembly's (NLA) legal and justice committee to seek fairness
May 30
Prosecutors ask police again to bring Mr Vorayuth to them on June 24
June 20
Mr Vorayuth writes to prosecutors seeking yet another postponement, saying his petition to the NLA committee is ongoing
Oct 12
Prosecutors again ask police to bring Mr Vorayuth to meet them on Oct 28, but police fail to do so
Oct 31
• Mr Vorayuth seeks a further postponement giving the same old reason — a busy schedule
• Prosecutors ask police to bring Mr Vorayuth to meet them on Nov 30
Nov 28
Mr Vorayuth sends a letter requesting another deferral saying he is on a business trip to the United Arab Emirates. Prosecutors agree to a new appointment on Dec 28
Dec 23
• The NLA committee informs prosecutors about Mr Vorayuth's request for justice
• Mr Vorayuth asks prosecutors to question an expert he has put forward to back his claim he was not speeding. Prosecutors issue a new summons for March 30, 2017
2017 March 23
Mr Vorayuth asks for another postponement, saying he is busy in the United Kingdom. Prosecutors agree and postpone the meeting yet again to April 27, 2017