7-3-2024 (PHUKET) The Immigration Bureau in Phuket has taken a significant step by revoking the visa of Urs Fehr, a Swiss man accused of assaulting a Thai woman on a beach near his villa. Pol Maj Gen Songprote Sirisukha, commander of the Immigration Division 6, deemed Fehr a threat to society, signing the visa revocation order on Wednesday night based on recommendations from the provincial hall and the immigration office of Phuket.
The alleged incident occurred on February 24 when Fehr, also known as David, reportedly kicked Dr. Thandao Chandam, a 26-year-old doctor at Dibuk Hospital, while she was seated on steps leading to Yamu beach. The assault, considered a threat to social peace, led to the decision to revoke Fehr’s visa.
Fehr, the managing director of Elephant Sanctuary Park Co, and his Thai wife initially believed that Dr. Chandam and her friend were intruding on their property. However, officials later confirmed that the steps to the beach were illegally built on public land.
In response to the incident, Fehr and his wife issued an apology, with Fehr stating that he did not intentionally kick the doctor but slipped while approaching her. Phuket police charged Fehr with physical and mental assault, with the case set to reach Phuket prosecutors within the week. Additionally, Fehr faces another charge related to past driving behavior involving an ambulance.
Despite the legal proceedings, the status of Fehr’s elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary Park has been confirmed as healthy and registered. Local revenue officials are yet to inspect the operations of the establishment, according to Suthas Niyomthai, the livestock development chief of Phuket.
While Fehr may be detained by Phuket immigration police, he has the option to seek temporary release to defend himself in the assault case.
