Urs Fehr and his wife Khanuengnit initially perceived Thandao Chandam as trespassing on their property but later issued apologies.
On Sunday, a large group of locals gathered in front of the couple’s seaside villa, demanding Urs Fehr’s expulsion following an altercation.
Phuket, boasting millions of annual tourists, is a highly sought-after destination, hosting an estimated 100,000 foreign residents.
The incident, which occurred on February 24, involved Urs Fehr, a 45-year-old managing director of a Thai elephant sanctuary, purportedly kicking Thandao Chandam in the back while she and a friend sat on the villa’s steps.
Reports suggest Ms. Khanuengnit also confronted Ms. Thandao, who is employed as a doctor in Phuket.
Mr. Fehr claimed he mistook them for intruders, accusing them of trespassing. He denied kicking Ms. Thandao, stating he had slipped while approaching her, as per the Bangkok Post.
The altercation triggered outrage among locals, with demands for Fehr’s visa revocation and the restoration of public beach access near his property.
A subsequent investigation revealed the villa’s steps were illegally constructed on public land, prompting authorities to order their removal.
Ms. Thandao filed a police complaint, leading to assault charges against Fehr.
Immigration authorities announced plans to detain Fehr, though he can remain in Thailand to defend himself in the assault case.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed concern, instructing law enforcement and the tourism ministry to enhance measures ensuring foreigners adhere to Thailand’s laws.
