Bangkok: The Court of Appeals Region 8 has overturned a previous verdict, sentencing 'David', a Swiss national and owner of an elephant camp, to one month in prison for assaulting a doctor on February 24, 2024. The court deemed the act serious and refused to suspend the sentence. However, it has been reported that the defendant has already left the country.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident involved Dr. Thara Dao, also known as Dr. Pai, who accused Mr. David of assault by kicking her in the back while she was with friends at a luxury villa on Yamu Beach, Pa Klok Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province. The Phuket Provincial Court initially dismissed the case on September 3, 67, citing insufficient evidence and granted the defendant the benefit of the doubt. Dissatisfied with this outcome, Mr. Nipit Intarasombat, the lawyer representing Dr. Pai, filed an appeal which led to today's decision.
Mr. Nipit stated that the court was convinced by the evidence presented by the prosecution and Dr. Thara Dao, including the immediate report of the incident to security guards and police, and the medical examination results. The defense's claim that Mr. David did not assault Dr. Pai was contradicted by his aggressive behavior and demands for the victim to leave the area. The court found these actions unjustifiable and violent, and acknowledged that there was no motive for the alleged slander by the two female doctors.
Dr. Thara Dao expressed her gratitude upon learning of the verdict, feeling that justice had finally been served after previously feeling overlooked. She extended thanks to her lawyer, the people of Phuket, and all Thai citizens for their support. The court has issued an arrest warrant for Mr. David since April 21 following his failure to attend the hearing, and it remains uncertain whether he will return to Thailand to contest the sentence. If he wishes to appeal, he must appear in person, as his lawyer cannot do so on his behalf, and he will be detained upon entry into the country.