2-3-2024 (BANGKOK) A Swiss man, identified only as David, publicly apologized on Friday for an incident in which he allegedly kicked Thai female doctor Thandao Chandam at his luxury villa in Phuket’s Thalang district. David attributed his actions to frustration over what he claimed were repeated trespassing incidents by Chinese individuals.
The confrontation occurred around 7:30 pm on February 24, when David reportedly kicked Thandao on the back while she and her friend were seated on the steps of the villa in Cape Yamu, presuming it to be public property.
However, subsequent investigations revealed that the steps encroached on public land, leading authorities to instruct David and his Thai wife to dismantle the structure within three days.
David, who owns an elephant sanctuary in Phuket, expressed his apologies to all those involved in the incident, citing anger triggered by frequent trespassing on what he believed to be his private property.
In response to questions about his initial statement claiming that he had slipped on the steps and had no intention of kicking the female doctor, David clarified that his anger stemmed from the repeated trespassing by Chinese individuals.
He explained that approximately 7-8 Chinese people had trespassed on the villa’s lawns, raising concerns for the safety of his Thai wife. David’s wife corroborated the account, confirming that the Chinese group had also entered the villa’s swimming pool. She clarified that she was swimming at the time, and David was not present in the villa.
Acknowledging her anger during the incident, David’s wife revealed that she believed her husband was addressing the previous group of Chinese trespassers. She also mentioned knowing a senior police officer in the province and highlighted that her son was a low-ranking policeman.
“I sincerely apologize for our improper behaviour and its impact on Phuket,” she stated, expressing readiness to make amends for their actions.
The incident underscores the complex dynamics involving property disputes, cultural tensions, and the need for respectful communication in an international setting, reflecting the challenges faced by both locals and expatriates in Phuket.
