A high-profile case involving an attack on a Thai doctor on a Phuket beach has ended with the unexpected acquittal of a foreigner, sparking a new wave of debate.

A Phuket court has handed down an acquittal in the high-profile case of an alleged assault by a Swiss national on a Thai doctor. The incident, which caused widespread public outcry, took place in February this year at Yamu Beach in Thalang district.

Urs Fehr, 45, was charged with assaulting Dr Tandao Chandam, 26. According to the prosecution, Fer allegedly kicked the young woman in the back as she and her friend sat on the steps leading to the beach near a villa he rented. The incident occurred on the evening of 24 February as the girls admired the full moon.

A Phuket court ruled in favour of the accused, giving him the presumption of innocence. Details of the judgement have yet to be released.

Following the incident, Urs Fer and his Thai spouse publicly apologized. They claimed they mistook Dr Chandam for a trespasser on private property. Fehr said he slipped and accidentally grazed the girl as he approached her.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the steps leading to the beach were not part of the villa’s property and had been built illegally. As a result, these steps were dismantled.

The incident caused widespread public outrage and received extensive social and traditional media coverage. Residents organized protests demanding Fer’s deportation. Immigration authorities cancelled his visa, deeming him a threat to the community. Fehr has appealed this decision.

In addition, the Swiss was fined for a separate incident involving a traffic conflict with an ambulance driver. The authorities also scrutinized his elephant protection foundation’s licence and cancelled the pistol and rifle licences registered to him and his foundation.

Dr Tandao’s father, Kasem Chandam, despite the acquittal, said his daughter is upset with the court’s decision. The victim’s legal team plans to get a full copy of the judgement in the coming days for further analysis.

The incident has raised important questions about the rights of foreigners in Thailand, the interaction of local people with tourists, and the legality of coastal development. It also demonstrates how quickly such incidents can spark a public outcry in the age of social media.

An acquittal verdict could spark a new wave of debate in Thai society, especially given the previous public outrage. The question remains as to how the judgement will affect Ursa Thera’s continued stay in Thailand and the activities of his foundation.

This case emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and prosecution, even in cases of high public outcry. It reminds us to avoid jumping to conclusions and respect the presumption of innocence until a judgment is rendered.

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