Women's rights activists claim to have evidence substantiating charges against a gynaecologist in Nakhon Sawan accused of sexually abusing a patient during a check-up at his clinic.
The 53-year-old doctor is facing two charges -- committing an indecent act and sexually abusing a female patient -- but he denied the accusations when he turned himself in at Muang Police Station yesterday.
The gynaecologist, whose name was not revealed, said he would only testify in court.
Lawyer Saranya "Nida" Wangsukcharoen claimed she could "prove" his guilt by showing a copy of a bank transfer slip for 300,000 baht in "hush money" that had been wired from his account to that of the alleged victim.
There was also an audio clip of a conversation between the victim and gynaecologist during which the latter reportedly admits to having sexually abused her, Ms Saranya said.
She maintained there was sufficient evidence to support charges against the doctor and said more of his female patients have made similar claims of abuse.
"We have obtained information that the doctor may have sexually abused several female patients and had paid compensation to them to avoid legal action," she said.
"There are also claims being made that he used sexually offensive language when addressing nursing students. We want the victims to stand up and fight," Ms Saranya said.
The scandal came to light when the lawyer posted a message on her Facebook page accusing the doctor of sexually abusing the 29-year-old patient at his clinic.
An excerpt from a conversation between them on the Line messaging app shows the former patient asking the doctor why he inserted a phallic-shaped object wrapped in a condom inside her. The doctor claimed it was a treatment method that causes the body to release "happiness hormones" that relieve pain.
The woman decided to meet the doctor on Sept 5. Earlier, she went for treatment at Uthai Thani Hospital twice but did not feel any better.
She had developed a stomachache and suspected some disorder in her genital area.
Police said the victim claimed she was sexually harassed during both of her visits. Her last check-up at the clinic was on Sept 21.
Actress Pannada "Boom" Wongphudee, head of the Do Good Things Organisation (Ongkorn Tham Dee) said yesterday she had received a complaint from the female patient and forwarded it to Ms Saranya.
She urged any other women who have been preyed on by the doctor to come forward, and vowed to support them.
Permanent secretary for public health Sukhum Karnchanapimai said he has appointed an inspector-general and a Nakhon Sawan public health doctor to look into the matter.
The gynaecologist's medical ethics need to be clarified, he said. The doctor works at a hospital that falls under the Public Health Ministry.
