OFF THE HOOK
After almost eight years of failed attempts to bring Red Bull scion Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya to hear charges against him, the Department of Southern Bangkok Criminal Litigation in June decides not to press the remaining charge of reckless driving causing death against him.
Sept 3
Mr Vorayuth's Ferrari collides with the motorcycle of Thong Lor policeman Wichian Klanprasert, 48, about 5.30am, killing him. Mr Vorayuth surrenders to police and confesses at about 10.30am that he was the driver
March 4
Police investigators wrap up their investigation report and forward it to prosecutors with a three-count recommendation: 1 reckless driving causing damage to assets; 2 failing to stop and help a crash victim; 3 reckless driving causing death
Police drop two other charges — drink driving and speeding
May 2
Prosecutors indict Mr Vorayuth on four counts — 4 a speeding charge is reinstated
Sept 3
The statutes of limitations on the reckless driving causing damage to assets and speeding charges expire
March 23
Mr Vorayuth asks for his 7th postponement, saying he is busy in the United Kingdom. Prosecutors agree and postpone the meeting yet again to April 27
April 25
Mr Vorayuth leaves Thailand for an unknown destination, just two days before he was due to answer charges over the 2012 incident
April 27
Prosecutors charge him with reckless driving, causing death and failing to stop and help a crash victim
May 4
Interpol confirms that Mr Vorayuth abandoned his private jet in Singapore before leaving the city-state on April 27
Sept 3
A second charge — failing to stop and help a crash victim expires
June 12
The Department of Southern Bangkok Criminal Litigation decides to acquit Mr Vorayuth of all charges
June 18
Thong Lor police issue a letter to notify Mr Vorayuth of the decision
June 25
The National Anti-Corruption Commission finds police from the Metropolitan Police Division 5 and Thong Lor police station guilty of mild dereliction of duty in their lenient handling of the fatal hit-and-run case
July 23
The decision to drop the charges is exposed by CNN