A Swiss retiree accused of a violent assault on a Thai woman has rejected a bail offer from his former wife. And police say he continues to be bunco-operative and insists he wants to stay in jail.
The Bangkok Post reports that the former wife of Swiss citizen Dieter Matthias Straumann appeared in court to offer assets valued at 50,000 baht to secure her ex-husband’s temporary release.
But the 62 year old Swiss man refused her offer and is refusing to cooperate with investigating officers. He has also refused assistance from the Swiss embassy and his relatives, insisting he wants to remain in prison.
He is accused of violently assaulting 58 year old Natchanan Khikkham at a Big C store in the Mueang district of Trang province on Tuesday, March 5. In addition to charges of physical and mental assault causing severe injury, he faces a charge of disobeying the authorities by failing to cooperate with a police investigation.
Ms Natchanan sustained a broken nose, black eyes, an injured back, and breathing difficulties after Straumann allegedly punched her repeatedly, including slamming her face into the ground at one point. Her son Kritpong Khikkham says the family intends to pursue all possible legal action against the Swiss man.
He adds that Straumann pressed his knee against his mother’s neck and punched her at least 20 times. As a result, Kritpong says he should be charged with attempted murder.
Ms Natchanan was rushed to the intensive care unit of Trang Hospital following the attack and her son says a doctor there says she will need treatment for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Meanwhile, it’s understood Straumann is in Thailand on a retirement visa, which is due to expire on November 14.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for the visa to be revoked, as has happened to another Swiss national involved in an altercation with a Thai woman in Phuket.
“We do not want such a person in Thailand because he poses danger to the society, and he already used violence and injured another. The man stays because he has a visa, and the question of visa revocation must be considered.”
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
