PHUKET — A Thai female doctor who filed charges against a foreign man for kicking her to chase her away from public stairs in front of his luxury villa in Phuket last year has expressed her joy and relief after the Appeals Court sentenced David, her opponent, to one month in prison without suspension on Friday.
“I must thank lawyer Nipit who helped me win this case, and I want to thank the people of Phuket, Thais across the country, and those living abroad who have been supporting me,” said Tharndao Chandumm, also known as Dr. Pai, 26.
The controversial incident occurred when David, 45, a Swiss national and owner of an elephant sanctuary in Phuket, allegedly kicked Dr. Pai in the back on February 24, 2024, at Yamu Beach, Thalang District, Phuket. That day was Makha Bucha Day in Buddhism, coinciding with the full moon. Dr. Pai and another female friend had gone to sit and watch the moon there.
The initial Phuket Provincial Court dismissed the case against defendant David on grounds of reasonable doubt in his favor on September 3, 2024. Subsequently, Nipit Intarasombat, a former Democrat Party politician, became her lawyer for the appeal. On May 23, the Appeals Court reversed the judgment and sentenced him to one month in prison.
Nipit posted a message after learning of the verdict stating that the defendant had fled the court’s arrest warrant and likely already left the country.
This case has gained widespread attention in Thailand and become a topic of social debate concerning conflicts between locals and some foreigners residing in the country. The most significant point of controversy was the discriminatory phrase that Dr. Pai allegedly heard from David’s Thai wife: “Thais can apologize to ‘Farang’, but no ‘Farang’ needs to say sorry to Thai people.”
David held a press conference with his Thai wife at Phuket City Hall on March 1, 2024, to apologize to Dr. Pai and Thai people, but maintained that he did not kick the doctor in the incident. During the court investigation, David insisted on this position and claimed he had stumbled and accidentally hit the plaintiff.
However, mobile phone footage evidence showed the defendant walking directly toward the plaintiff and loudly cursing while angrily chasing her away. Although the video couldn’t clearly show the moment the defendant kicked, his words in arguing with the plaintiff’s boyfriend, who arrived immediately after learning of the incident and asked why he kicked his girlfriend, supported the plaintiff’s evidence. David said: “She trespassed herself, so I kicked lightly. If it were you, I would do worse.”
The Appeals Court judgment also cited medical diagnosis findings that the plaintiff suffered bruising injuries from being kicked in the upper back, requiring seven days of treatment. Mental health doctors also diagnosed the plaintiff with Post-Traumatic Stress from this incident, requiring continuous medication and psychotherapy treatment.
Dr. Pai spoke with media in Phuket on Friday evening alongside lawyer Nipit. She said she now feels very relieved, unlike when the lower court dismissed charges against the defendant previously. At that time, she was discouraged because she felt she didn’t receive justice, but today when the court sentenced the defendant to one month without suspension, she feels justice has been restored.
“When I was assaulted, I wasn’t angry or hateful, but I felt that as a Thai person, I should exercise my rights to fight and should receive justice. This case taught me that if you persevere and keep fighting, you will ultimately receive true justice,” she said.
Nipit said the court was originally scheduled to render judgment on April 20, but the foreign defendant didn’t appear in court, so the court had to issue an arrest warrant. Today, May 23, 2025, the 8th Regional Appeals Court read the judgment in absentia, ruling that the defendant was guilty under Criminal Code Section 391, constituting a serious offense, sentencing him to one month in prison without suspension. If the defendant returns to Thailand, he will be arrested and imprisoned immediately.
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