PUBLISHED : 3 Sep 2024 at 17:53
PHUKET: The Phuket Kwaeng Court has acquitted Urs Fehr, a 45-year-old Swiss national, who faced charges related to an incident involving a woman doctor near his villa in February. This decision has drawn significant attention in both local and national media.
The court ruled in favor of Fehr, citing a lack of sufficient evidence against him. Details regarding the court’s ruling remain limited.
Fehr was accused of kicking Dr. Thandao Chandam, 26, in the back while she and a friend were enjoying a full moon view from steps adjacent to his rented villa at Yamu beach on February 24. Soon after the incident, Fehr and his Thai wife publicly apologized, asserting they believed the doctor was trespassing. Fehr claimed he accidentally struck Dr. Chandam after slipping on the steps.
Investigation later revealed that the steps leading to the beach were not part of the villa but were instead built illegally. Consequently, they were demolished.
The incident ignited outrage on social media, prompting local residents to call for Fehr’s expulsion from Thailand. Immigration authorities subsequently revoked his visa, prompting an appeal from Fehr.
In addition to the legal troubles stemming from this incident, Fehr faced fines related to a separate road rage incident with an ambulance driver. Authorities also launched investigations into the licenses for firearms registered under him and his elephant foundation.
Following the court’s ruling, Dr. Thandao’s father, Kasem Chandam, expressed his disappointment, noting that they plan to request a complete copy of the judgement in the upcoming days.
