A Swiss expat living in Phuket is to be sentenced next month for allegedly “kicking” a female doctor as she sat on steps in front of his luxury villa at Cape Yamu.
The incident dates back to the evening of February 24, when Dr Thandao Chandam and her friend sat on steps leading to the Yamu Beach villa where Urs “David” Fehr lived with his wife, Khanuengnit.
It’s alleged the Swiss man came down the steps, filming the pair on his phone, and kicked the female doctor in the back with his knee. The medic and her friend then sought help from a nearby security man. It’s understood the Swiss man’s wife also verbally abusing the doctor and her friend, warning them of her “connections with local police”.
For his part, Fehr has always denied that he intentionally kicked the doctor, insisting he slipped as he was coming down the steps, filming the entire event on his phone. He and his wife say they mistakenly thought Dr Thandao and her friend were intruding on their property.
Meanwhile, the whole debacle drew the attention of the authorities to the steps in question. Officials deemed they were encroaching on a public beach and had been illegally built. They were demolished shortly after.
Fehr’s trial is now set to conclude in early September. Despite his visa being revoked in March, he has been able to remain in Thailand awaiting his sentencing. Anuphong Panarat, Secretary to the Governor of Phuket, says this will happen on September 3.
Fehr is the founder of the Green Elephant Park in Chergntalay, but Anuphong says this will not be affected as there are other shareholders involved.
“Mr Fehr is still in Thailand, staying at his house in Phuket, as he awaits the court’s sentence on September 3. The company has other shareholders, so it is not solely his, and therefore has no impact. He is still allowed to stay in the country to fight the case, and actions are in progress.”
Meanwhile, Dr Thandao says she’s looking forward to justice being served.
“The only reason David still holds a visa and remains in Thailand is that he stands accused in an ongoing case. However, September 3 will be the day his punishment will be finalised.”
SOURCE: The Phuket News
