A Phuket court has dismissed the case against Swiss expat Urs “David” Fehr, who was accused of kicking a Thai doctor last February.
Yesterday, September 3, the Phuket Provincial Court dismissed the case brought by Dr Thandaow “Pai” Chandam, on the grounds of reasonable doubt.
Fehr maintained that he did not intend to kick the doctor, but rather slipped as he was making his way down the steps from his villa, to where she was sitting with a friend.
The case dates back to the evening of February 24, as 26 year old Dr Pai sat with a friend at Yamu Beach to watch the full moon. David and his Thai wife, believing the pair were encroaching on their property, confronted the pair, with the 45 year old Swiss man allegedly kicking the doctor in the back in the process.
The fallout spread far and wide, fuelled by social media, and attracting widespread media attention, both in Thailand and overseas. Hundreds of angry Thais gathered at the beach in front of the villa where the couple lived, demanding David “get out” of Thailand.
His visa was subsequently revoked, but he was given permission to remain in the kingdom until yesterday’s court hearing. The incident also led to an inspection of the steps where the alleged kicking took place. They were deemed to have been illegally built on a public beach and later demolished.
Responding to yesterday’s court verdict, Dr Pai’s father, Kasem Chandan, said he accepted the verdict, adding that he was concerned about his daughter. It’s understood she is feeling stressed and worried she will be counter-sued.
Meanwhile, Khaosod English reports that David plans to appeal the revocation of his visa.
SOURCE: Khaosod English
