Swiss man who kicked doctor in Phuket given a month in jail

A Phuket Appeals Court today sentenced a Swiss national to one month in jail, in absentia, after he was found guilty of assaulting a female doctor in Phuket in February last year.

The ruling overturns a lower court’s decision, from September last year, which had dismissed the charges against Urs Fehr for lack of evidence.

Nipit Intarasombut, the lawyer for Dr Tandao Chandam, 27, posted on his Facebook that the defendant has evaded arrest and left the country.

The assault occurred on February 24, when Dr Tandao was kicked in the back and verbally abused by Fehr, while she was sitting on steps in front of his villa on Yamu Beach in Thalang district.

The assault came to light through video clips, recorded by the defendant himself, which attracted media and public attention. The case stirred public sentiment after the defendant initially walked free.

Nipit, a veteran lawyer, stepped in to help the doctor, saying his argument would be based on reasonableness. In other words, the court should favour the argument that appears more reasonable.

“The punishment may not be severe, but the case has affected public feelings,” Nipit said.

Posting on Facebook today, he expressed admiration for the doctor’s patient fight, standing alone until she received justice.

He said he understands the feelings of the doctor, the people of Phuket and the Thai general public regarding this case. Therefore, Nipit said he took the case pro bono.