Court Sentences Swiss Man in Phuket Assault Case
One-Month Jail Term for Attacking Thai Doctor
The Court of Appeal has sentenced a Swiss man to one month in prison for assaulting a Thai doctor in Phuket, overturning an earlier acquittal. The incident, which occurred on February 24, 2024, at Yamu Beach, involved Urs “David” Fehr, a 45-year-old elephant sanctuary owner, who was found guilty of kicking Dr. Thandao Chandam in the back while she sat on steps near his rented villa.
Details of the Phuket Assault Incident
Background of the Yamu Beach Altercation
The assault took place when Dr. Thandao, a 26-year-old physician, was sitting on what she believed to be public steps near Yamu Beach, enjoying a full moon with a friend. Fehr, mistakenly assuming the steps were part of his property, approached and physically assaulted her, sparking outrage among locals. The steps were later confirmed to be on public land and illegally constructed, leading to their demolition.
Legal Journey and Public Outcry
Appeal Court Overturns Initial Acquittal
Initially, the Phuket Provincial Court dismissed the case in September 2024, citing insufficient evidence. However, Dr. Thandao’s lawyer, Nipit Intarasombat, pursued an appeal, resulting in the Court of Appeal’s ruling on May 23, 2025. The case gained significant attention, with public protests and social media campaigns highlighting concerns over foreign nationals’ behavior and access to public spaces in Phuket.
Swiss Man Evades Justice Post-Sentencing
Fugitive Status of Urs Fehr
Despite the conviction, Fehr is believed to have fled Thailand before the sentencing, defying an arrest warrant issued after he failed to appear in court. Authorities are now seeking his whereabouts, as the case continues to fuel discussions about accountability and the treatment of locals by influential foreigners in Thailand’s tourist hubs.
