Charges against ‘breast fondling’ doctor dropped

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Prosecutors have dropped a case against a private hospital director accused by 11 factory workers of fondling their breasts during their annual health exam last year.

The Office of Sikhiu Provincial Prosecutors said yesterday it had issued a letter on Oct 25 notifying the Sung Noen police chief of its decision not to indict Anan Lohapattanabamrung for alleged indecent assault because the women withdrew the charges.

Earlier, a group of 11 employees of Siam Fukoku factory lodged a complaint with Sung Noen police, accusing Dr Anan of sexually harassing them on Nov 17.

According to the complaint, each patient was alone with the doctor in the examination room.

He allegedly unzipped their uniforms and fondled their breasts. The check-up was not supposed to include breast cancer screening.

Dr Anan, 55, said the prosecution’s decision brought an end to the case.

He said he decision was proof of his innocence and cleared him of an accusation that had tarnished his reputation.

The complainants had earlier requested 50,000 baht each in compensation but he elected to fight the case in court, he said.

There were no negotiations to settle the matter because he was confident of his innocence, he added.

Dr Anan insisted their checkups followed standard procedure, and he didn’t sexually harass or assault anyone.