Fehr, founder of the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Cherng Talay, was charged with assault after a formal complaint was filed with police by the doctor, Thandao Chandam.
Dr Thandao, a doctor at Dibuk Hospital, was sitting on steps to Yamu Beach in front of Fehr’s rented luxury villa with her friend to watch the full moon on Feb 24 when Fehr approached them and yelled at them to leave. That was when he allegedly kicked Dr Thandao in the back.
Fehr has consistently denied that he kicked Dr Thandao. He instead claims that slipped while approaching her.
A video of the incident circulated online, fuelling anti-foreigner sentiment among many local residents and a protest on the beach in front of the luxury villa estate that Fehr was staying at amid claims that foreigners living there were attempting to claim the area as a “private beach”.
It was later reported that Fehr and his wife, Khanuengnit, misunderstood that the pair were intruding into his property. However, officials later confirmed that the steps to the beach were illegally built on seaside public land. The steps were later demolished.
Despite the Immigration Bureau’s announcement that it had revoked Fehr’s permit to stay in early March, he remains in the country ‒ indeed, still in Phuket ‒ confirmed Anuphong Panarat, Secretary to the Governor of Phuket.
“Mr Fehr is currently involved in a legal process, focusing solely on fighting an assault charge at this time,” Mr Anuphong told The Phuket News.
“Mr Fehr is still in Thailand, staying at his house in Phuket, as he awaits the court’s sentence and be handed down the necessary sentence on Sept 3,” Mr Anupong added.
“Regarding his business in Thailand, I do not believe it is a concern or issue because he is not currently operating any business; he just holds a temporary visa.
“The company has other shareholders, so it is not solely his, and therefore has no impact. He is still allowed to stay in the country to fight the case, and actions are in progress,” Mr Anuphong explained.
Dr Thandao told The Phuket News that she welcomes an end to the case.
“The only reason David still holds a visa and remains in Thailand is that he stands accused in an ongoing case. However, Sept 3 will be the day his punishment will be finalised,” Dr Thandao said.
The Immigration Bureau has granted Fehr a recurring stay of 30 days while he is on bail, with conditions requiring him to live in approved housing, check in with authorities every 15 days, avoid work or illegal activities, and stay in the country, she explained.
“The case is still ongoing, but punishment will come and the case will be brought to an end next month,” Dr Thandao said.
“Thank you to The Phuket News for your interest in the information and support all along. Thank you to the people of Phuket and all Thais for always giving me encouragement,” she concluded.