Woman says doctor beat her in money dispute

Lumpini police said Dr Phorndecha would meet police on Thursday to acknowledge restraint of freedom and assault charges filed against him by the parents of the victim, who was badly beaten and injured and is now receiving hospital treatment.

Former MP Paveena Hongsakul, now head of a charity foundation named after herself, quoted the victim's parents as saying the unidentified woman was abducted on November 2 by Phorndecha. They say he attacked her in a dispute over a renovation contract, involving a missing Bt8 million and unverified receipts. They said she managed to escape from him on Sunday.

Doctors said the woman was badly bruised around the face and body, and showed distress and paranoia when left alone with strangers.

Pol Colonel Montree Yimyaem, who is close to Phorndecha, said the doctor conferred with him about the woman's activities and the missing money. Phorndecha was planning to operate a beauty clinic and renovate his office.

The officer said the woman could not verify many receipts produced during the renovation contract dealings. He said Phorndecha was planning to file theft and embezzlement charges against her once the evidence was compiled.