In this Sept. 4, 2012, file photo, forensic police examine the motorcycle Sgt. Maj. Wichian Klanprasert was riding when he was killed in a hit-and-run by Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya.

BANGKOK — Police on Tuesday said they have asked the Foreign Affairs Ministry to cancel the passport of an energy drink empire scion who’s evaded justice five years for a fatal hit-and-run.

After five years of inaction, the authorities took a flurry of steps last week with a stated resolve to bring Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya to trial in Thailand, where he is wanted for killing a policeman with his Ferrari in 2012.

The renewed effort to prosecute the 32-year-old grandson of the man who founded Red Bull followed media reports that Vorayuth was living a jet-setting lifestyle in Thailand and abroad, prompting a new round of social media fury.

“The investigators have already sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the revocation of the passport,” police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen said by telephone. “They have also informed the [police] foreign affairs bureau about the arrest warrant, so they can work on locating the suspect.”

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Vorayuth was last seen in April in London. Of the four charges filed against him, two have already expired, one will expire by September and the most serious one – fatal reckless driving – is valid until 2027.

Col. Krissana said police are also working with the public prosecutor to begin the process of securing Vorayuth’s extradition. They will also contact the Interpol to help search for him, he said.

“The police have done everything we are supposed to,” the spokesman said.

Since killing Sgt. Maj. Wichian Klanprasert and fleeing the crime scene in 2012, Vorayuth has repeatedly ignored summonses from prosecutors, citing unfair treatment, illness and a scheduling conflicts.

Yet prosecutors had taken no action against Vorayuth until Friday, when they won approval for an arrest warrant.

Due to the seeming reluctance of the authorities to prosecute the Red Bull heir, Vorayuth’s name has come to epitomize frozen justice when it involves the well-connected and wealthy.

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