Thai ex-cop denies changing evidence in Red Bull hit-and-run case

It is the first time anyone has appeared in court on charges linked to the 2012 crash, in which Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya was accused of plowing his Ferrari into a policeman's motorbike, killing the officer on the spot.

Former national police chief General Somyot Poompanmoung, along with a former deputy attorney general and six others, denied charges of malfeasance and cover-up in a hearing in Bangkok.

The case has long captivated public attention in Thailand as emblematic of what critics say is the impunity enjoyed by the kingdom's super-rich and well-connected.

Vorayuth faced charges of causing death by reckless driving and possessing illegal substances but dodged prosecutors and fled Thailand shortly after the incident, returning last year.

He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The eight men denied the charge of changing the record of Yoovidhya's driving speed -- originally logged as 177 kilometers per hour (110 mph) -- to 80 kilometers per hour.

Several charges in the case had reached the statute of limitations, except the charge of driving causing death that will expire in 2027.

The next hearing and procedural evidence checks will be held on Oct. 30.