Red Bull heir questioned over death

A GRANDSON of the creator of the Red Bull energy drink has been arrested for driving a Ferrari that struck a police officer and dragged his dead body down a Bangkok street in an early-morning hit-and-run yesterday.

Police took Vorayuth Yoovidhya, 27, in for questioning after tracing oil streaks to his family’s gated estate in a wealthy district of the Thai capital.

He is facing charges of causing death by reckless driving and escaping an arrest by police, but was released on a 500,000 baht (about £10,000) bail.

Police Major General Anuchai Lekbamroong said Mr Vorayuth admitted he drove the charcoal grey sports car, but said the police officer’s motorcycle abruptly cut in front of his vehicle.

Bangkok’s top policeman, Lieutenant General Comronwit Toopgrajank, said he took charge after a lower-ranking officer tried to cover up the crime.

The Yoovidhya family was ranked the fourth richest in Thailand this year by Forbes magazine. Red Bull creator Chaleo Yoovidhya died in March, leaving his heirs a wide range of businesses.