UPDATE: See ’Damning video shows Swiss expat kicking woman doctor’
The woman, Thandao Chandam, who is a doctor at Dibuk Hospital, filed a formal complaint of assault at Thalang Police Station last Sunday (Feb 25).
Ms Thandao and her father, Mr Kasem Chandam, arrived at Thalang Police Station today (Feb 29), to submit a medical report of her injuries to Thalang Police Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Anukul Nooket.
The incident occurred at Yamu Beach at about 8:50pm last Saturday (Feb 24), Ms Thandao said. She went to eat at a nearby restaurant then went for a walk along the beach with friends, as it was Makha Bucha Day.
While sitting on the small steps, Fehr came out of his house and told Ms Thandao and her friends to leave. An argument ensued, during which Fehr allegedly kicked Ms Thandao in the back.
The “opposing party” has claimed that her injury was the result of a ”slip and fall”, Ms Thandao told reporters today.
The argument on the steps in front of the home included accusations of rich foreigners making money from Thais feeling empowered and above the law, a sentiment widely repeated in social media posts, sparking outrage and resentment.
At Thalang Police Station this morning, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Phasakorn Sonthikun assured that police will enforce all aspects of the law in investigating the case.
Fehr is to present himself at the police station at 10am tomorrow (Mar 1), Pol Col Phasakorn confirmed.
The gravity of the charge against Fehr depends on the severity of the physical harm inflicted, Pol Col Phasakorn noted, adding that was why police were required to wait for the medical report of Ms Thandao’s injuries before police could proceed further with their investigation.
While posts online by people supporting Ms Thandao show no visible bruises to her back, Ms Thandao today said she had to return to the hospital several times for pain medication injections.
“No one should have to suffer this kind of thing. No Thai person should have to go through something like this,” Ms Thandao said, adding that she would see the matter “through to the end”.
She also threatened to file charges under the Computer Crimes Act after the names of the people involved in the incident were posted online.
After the incident, there was stress, anxiety and fear of the other party, Ms Thanda told reporters.
“He looks like a rich man. We are just one small doctor. I want law, justice and the police to help to deliver justice that any Thai person should receive,” Ms Thandao said.
“As for the insulting words, no one should be discriminated against like that. He is a foreigner living in Thailand. He came to earn a living with Thai people, working in Thailand, living on Thai soil.
“You shouldn’t discriminate against anyone who is a local. You should respect them more. We should live with respect, not discrimination. Even if you are rich, you will fall from the sky. No matter how much power you have, you shouldn’t discriminate against anyone,” she said.
“I would like to thank everyone for their encouragement to help him get justice, and I really hope that justice will happen. As for the other party, if they come in and apologise. I really want a sincere apology, not [an apology for] fear of being sued. I myself was happy to accept his apology,” she added.
Repeated posts on social media by many people except Ms Thandao explained that asked for an apology to settle the matter on the night of Feb 24, but that Fehr refused.
Ms Thandao’s father, Mr Kasem, today noted, “This matter is becoming a matter of politics.”
“Justice must be seen. I would like to ask the police not to side with the wrong person. Don’t act like a tick on the dog,” he added.
“I want the justice officials to protect people who are Thai citizens. Not to protect foreign citizens, because there are many doubts that it shouldn’t be like that,” Mr Kasem continued.
“It is time for Phuket people to speak up about this matter. Ensure clear management of foreign investors. which is pressing on Phuket people. We can’t even walk on the beach. I don’t want much. I want to make a straightforward case. As for who will intervene in the case? Society is watching,” Mr Ksaem concluded.
Pol Col Phasakorn explained to reporters that Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat had established a task force of officials to review cases of ‘bad foreigners’.
The task is to review the negative impact of behaviours by foreigners and to take “corrective” action”, which includes having the foreigner deported.
“As for the performance of the police, please have confidence that we will definitely be fair to all parties,” Pol Col Phasakorn said.
“Currently, victims are often not aware of the progress of their cases. This causes them to complain through the media,” he noted.
Police are currently developing an onine system so victims can track the progress of the cases, Pol Col Phasakorn said.
“When it is completed, a victim who reports a crime will be issued a password by the investigating officer, and the victim will be able to go online and follow the progress of their case,” he added.
* Correction: Not Srisoonthorn, as originally report.