Fehr, the founder of Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Cherng Talay, was charged with assault after Dr Thandao Chandam, a doctor at Dibuk Hospital, filed a formal complaint.
The incident occurred on Feb 24 when Dr Thandao and her friend were sitting on steps to Yamu Beach near Fehr’s rented villa to watch the full moon. Fehr approached them, demanded they leave, and then allegedly kicked Dr Thandao in the back.
Fehr has consistently denied the allegations, claiming he slipped while approaching her. Fehr and his wife, Khanuengnit, told police and officials they mistakenly thought Dr Thandao and her friend were trespassing on their property.
A video of the incident circulated online, sparking anti-foreigner sentiment and a protest at the beach near Fehr’s villa, amid claims that foreigners were trying to claim the area as a private beach.
Officials confirmed the steps to the beach were illegally built on public land, and they were subsequently demolished.
Kasem Chandam, Dr Thandao’s father, told the press today that Dr Thandao is “saddened by how things have turned out”.
“She’s taking time to decide whether to continue with legal action or let it go, needing some space to gather her thoughts. At the moment, she’s not ready to make any moves,” he said.
Adding to her stress is David’s ongoing claim that the incident was accidental, especially after he was found not guilty, Mr Kasem said.
Though she’s feeling quite stressed, Dr Thandao has chosen not to comment on the court’s decision, he added.
Her legal team and her family plan to request a copy of the ruling to review together before deciding on the next steps, Mr Kasem said.
The case reignited debate online, with renewed doubt on the court’s decision. The controversy centers on Fehr’s wife’s claims of connections with senior Phuket police officers, raising questions about the integrity and transparency of the case.
It remains unclear whether Fehr will face deportation now that the court has cleared him of the charge.
While in Phuket in March, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, “What happened was the behaviour of a few people, but wherever it happens, we will handle it. You can see that recently it was done. We withdrew the visa. An appeal was submitted to the Ministry of Interior. There is no need to appeal, it’s a waste of time, better to go home.”
Meanwhile, Fehr remains in the country and continues living in Phuket.