Red Bull heir’s case ignites Thai outrage

BANGKOK — An online anti-Red Bull campaign has rolled out in Thailand as the public are fueled by the hitand-run case of the fugitive Red Bull heir, local media reported on Monday.

The campaign, known as “Say no to Red Bull”, has called on the mass to stop buying Red Bull drinks s inc eV orayu th Yo ovid hy a, the he ir to the energy drink fortune, continued to pursue his luxurious lifestyle, freelytraveling in and out of Thailand though an arrest warrant for him was issued last month.

The warrant came almost five years after Vorayuth allegedly smashed his Ferrari into a police officer in 2012 and sped away, dragging the body along a downtown Bangkok road for hundreds of meters.

The 32-year-old kin of the superrich clan owning half of the company faces charges of reckless driving causing death, speeding and hit-and-run. He never appeared in court, telling prosecutors through his lawyer that he was too sick or having a business trip abroad.

Allegations did not stop him from enjoying extravagant trips to more than nine countries, attending Grand Pr ix races with team Red Bull and visiting beach resorts, which has gone viral in social media.

He was found leaving Thailand for Singapore on April 25, two days before a summon to court, according to The Bangkok Post.

However, Vorayuth left Singapore on April 27, abandoning his private jet there and his current whereabouts are unknown, which made the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revoke his passport on May 5.

Vorayuth’s father is Thailand’s fourth richest man, according to Forbes.

His grandfather, the co-founder of the Red Bull brand, died in 2012 leaving a wealth of more than $20 billion.

Many question why it takes five years to issue a warrant in the case, criticizing that the country’s judicial system is warped by cash and influences.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya