Reuters - By Martin Petty, BANGKOK | Tue Sep 4, 2012
(Reuters) - A dented silver Ferrari, a dead Thai policeman whose body was dragged for 200 meters under its wheels, a family driver ready to take the fall for the wealthy 27-year-old heir to the world-famous Red Bull energy drink empire.
Policemen examine a damaged Ferrari at the home of the late Red Bull founder Chaleo Yoovidhaya in Bangkok September 3, 2012. Credit: REUTERS/Stringer
This was the story splashed across the front pages in Thailand on Tuesday and a hot topic on web boards, where the common assumption was that a culture of impunity for the wealthy business and political elite would once again prevail.
Vorayuth Yoovidhya, a grandson of the late founder of Red Bull, billionaire Chaleo Yoovidhya, had initially fled the scene but later confessed to hitting the policeman, police said. He was released hours later on 500,000 baht ($16,000) bail.
More: Reuters.com
Comments
Rich and Famous
You must understand that there is also no formal driving training programs in Thailand, sure you take a test but it is not a driven test in a real car, more like a questionare and if you are rich you 'tip' the inspector and you have instant approval. There are many of these accidents but few make it to the news, again it is not what you know but who you know. There are driving laws here as well but few are enforced as the police are not very well paid for what they do. Many tickets are written and if you have money you again 'tip' the policeman and the tickets disappear. Not all are like this. Corruption is accepted as a way of life here, many just look the other way. Also remember that in the Thai education system "no one fails". Everyone passes and many teachers are scolded by the parents if the child is given a lower mark than the others. This goes all the way to universit as well. Many have diplomas and can not read or write their own language, I feel sad for them as they are taught that their diploma. They also believe that the newspapers tell the truth and if it is on the tv it must be true!!
Thank you
Thank you for this information, Guest! namaste