Red Bull heir silent when asked about Thai crash case

In this image made from video, Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, whose grandfather co-founded Red Bull, waits to enter a London residence yesterday

An heir to the Red Bull fortune has refused to answer questions about whether he will return to Thailand this month to meet with prosecutors over an alleged hit-and-run that killed a police officer almost five years ago.

Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya was silent yesterday as The Associated Press asked about his plans. Standing outside a London residence, he didn’t say why he was in Britain or whether he will meet with prosecutors in Thailand April 27.

He has been ordered to face charges of hit-and-run and reckless driving in the 2012 death. He has not appeared for earlier meetings with prosecutors, including last week, but no arrest warrant has been issued.

An AP inquiry last week revealed that he has been living a jet- set lifestyle, attending Formula One races, snowboarding in Japan and cruising in Venice, though it had been widely assumed that he was lying low.

Many in Thailand and beyond reacted with anger to the report, which was based in part on social media postings from friends and family that also helped the AP determine where Vorayuth has been living while in London.

“In the pyramid of privilege, the boss stays on top,” the Bangkok Post said in an opinion piece. “In the food chain of injustice, the boss reminds us again, and again and again, who the boss is.”

Vorayuth’s attorneys have not responded to repeated calls or to a faxed series of questions. They have contended that he has been treated unfairly.

Since last week’s AP story ran, Vorayuth’s Facebook page was updated with a photo of him with a Red Bull race car and information that he was attending art school. AP