Thailand has canceled the visa of a Swiss man accused of assaulting a local woman near his villa in Phuket. Urs Fehr, the managing director of a Thai elephant sanctuary, allegedly kicked Thandao Chandam while she and a friend were sitting outside his villa. Locals protested outside Fehr’s residence, demanding his expulsion.
Fehr claimed he slipped and didn’t mean to kick Thandao, accusing her of trespassing. The incident sparked outrage, with calls for Fehr’s visa to be revoked and public beach access restored. It was discovered that the villa’s steps were illegally built on public land, leading to their removal order.
Thandao, a doctor, filed a police complaint, resulting in Fehr being charged with assault. Although immigration plans to detain him, he can stay in Thailand during the investigation.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered authorities to ensure foreigners obey Thai laws.
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