Thandao Chandam, the doctor kicked by Fehr, told reporters late yesterday (Apr 1) that the court hearing was “scheduled for mid-April”.
However, Ms Thandao, a doctor at Dibuk Hospital, also told reporters that she was concerned about the case not being straightforward.
Already five justice officials had visited her, “as if there was some dark secret”, she said.
“Now I’m worried about the case scheduled to go to court in mid-April,” Ms Thandao said.
For the physical assault, Fehr is supposed to be charged under Section 295 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates: “Whoever, causes injury to the other person in body or mind is said to commit bodily harm, and shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years or fined not exceeding four thousand Baht, or both.”
Fehr has denied the charge.
However, Ms Thandao said that did not account for her mental anguish.
Ms Thandao told reporters that she no longer suffers any physical pain from the kick, which she said left bruises, but added that she is suffering from the psychological impact of the incident.
“I am feeling frightened all the time, and I cannot sleep, I keep having nightmares,” Ms Thandao said.
“I really want this matter to end with me getting justice because of the effects of what he did. This made me have to consult a psychiatrist because of the nightmares. The psychiatrist said it was post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and requires taking medication to help me sleep,” Ms Thandao said.
“Even though it’s been a month since the incident, I now have a medical certificate from a government hospital and an appointment with the doctor for treatment next week,” she added.
Ms Thandao said she had spoken with a justice official about the mental effect the incident has had on her, and offered the option of having Fehr charged under Section 391 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates: “Any person who commits a forcible attack against another shall, if the attack is not serious to the extent causing the victim to sustain any bodily or mental harm, be liable to imprisonment for not more than one month, or a fine not exceeding one thousand baht or both.”
However, the justice official pointed out that the penalty under Section 391, for mental anguish caused, was less than that under Section 295, for physical injury, she explained.
Ms Thandao spoke with reporters while she was accompanied by Phket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who noted, “This case is a sensitive issue for society, affecting all Thai people.
“If the people responsible hand down a weak decision, say that it is just a misdemeanor, it will send a message that foreigners can bully Thai people. If that happens, this matter will greatly affect the doctor, and Thai people,” he said.