The “beach bully” incident, as it came to be known, was captured on a phone video, leading to a public outcry and calls for Fehr’s deportation.
Fehr has always maintained that he slipped on the steps and his leg came up in the air, which gave the appearance on the video that he was delivering a kick.
Mr Niphit said the Court of Appeal Region 8 delivered its ruling on Friday, sentencing Fehr to one month in prison, without suspension, under Section 391 of the Criminal Code, which covers assault that does not cause bodily harm.
His actions constituted a serious offence, according to the court. The Provincial Court was scheduled to read out the appeal court’s ruling on Wednesday, but Fehr failed to appear, prompting the court to sentence him in absentia.
Authorities believe he has fled the country.
The Fehr incident also raised concerns over encroachment on public land. Investigators found that the steps leading down to the beach were not part of the villa property and had been built illegally. They were later demolished.
Local residents subsequently called for authorities to do more to return public access to beaches on the resort island.
Link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3032890/phuket-doctors-swiss-attacker-gets-jail. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.