Crime Swiss National 'David' Sentenced to Jail for Assaulting Thai Doctor in Phuket

[webfact]

File photo

In a dramatic turn of events, the Phuket Court of Appeal has reversed a previous ruling, sentencing a Swiss national to one month in prison without probation for assaulting a doctor.

 

The case involved Dr Tanradao Jandam, known as Dr Pai, who accused Urs 'David' Fehr, a Swiss citizen and owner of a Phuket elephant park, of kicking her in the back and hurling abusive language at her.

 

The incident occurred on 24th February 2024 while Dr Pai was seated on the steps of a luxury villa at Yamu Beach, in the Pa Khlok area of Thalang District, Phuket.

 

Initially, the Phuket Provincial Court dismissed the charges on 3rd September 2024, citing reasonable doubt in favour of the defendant. Following this decision, Dr Pai’s lawyer, Nipit Intrasombat, lodged an appeal.

 

In the latest development, the Court of Appeal has found the defendant guilty under Article 391 of the Thai Criminal Code, recognising the severity of the assault and imposing a one-month custodial sentence without allowing for a suspended sentence.

 

Mr Nipit expressed his gratitude to all involved in the case, including the investigators, prosecutors, court officials, original and defence lawyers, acknowledging their dedication.

 

He emphasised that the differing views in the case were purely based on factual and legal grounds, not personal animosity.

 

The verdict is a vindication for Dr Pai, who persevered with patience and fortitude to seek justice. Mr Nipit noted that he undertook the appeal without charging for travel, airfare, documentation, or legal fees, understanding the sentiments of Dr Pai, the people of Phuket, and all Thais regarding this case.

 

Reports indicate the defendant has fled the country despite the court's arrest warrant.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2025-05-23

 

 

[Gottfrid]

Wow! Did he get a full month! That´s tough. Poor little Urs. However, He has already done a Thaksin.

[KhunBENQ]

goodbye forever please!

[save the frogs]

he owns an elephant park? that's an ambitious project. 

but yeah, slap him on the wrist. horrible incident. 

 

[khunPer]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Reports indicate the defendant has fled the country despite the court's arrest warrant.

[LivingNThailand]

The headline says he was jailed.  He was sentenced, not jailed. He did not show up for the court hearing and is basically in contempt of court.  Another article says he was sentenced to prison, but then further on, it says he was jailed.  Two very different things. 

 

Probably left the country way before the first hearing.  I hope they deport him in absentia.   Lots of people here in Phuket said he was bad news.  And don't forget he blocked an ambulance in traffic a few months before the kick.  

 

Good riddance.  

[ChrisY1]

The HiSo of Thailand, cannot lose.....!

[John Drake]

Extradite him and tack on another year for fleeing arrest.

[TimBKK]

Tired of seeing this mug’s face and wish this story would just go away.  The guy is clearly a d*****b** but it is the height of hypocrisy that this case was pursued so vigorously when there are any number of far, far more egregious cases/conduct that get brushed aside without a second thought.  

[newbee2022]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

Reports indicate the defendant has fled the country despite the court's arrest warrant.

So what?

He wouldn't come back, would he?

A lot of paperwork....justice done😂

[spidermike007]

Absolutely wonderful news, he richly deserves this fate, and hopefully he'll make a lot of very good friends who will treat him with a great deal of warmth and affection. 

[ryandb]

18 hours ago, save the frogs said:

he owns an elephant park? that's an ambitious project. 

but yeah, slap him on the wrist. horrible incident. 

 

 

It's a great way to scam money from good hearted people donating, like most animal charities/sanctuaries these days, massive villa on the beach in Phuket is a testament of this

[Taboo2]

I guess all those flowers and fake apologies did not work.  Wonder how much brown envelopes was also scammed from him.  Next time, please do not give ambulance drivers the finger.  F Ing More Run.

[J Branche]

Enjoy the lovely accomodations.  I hope your cell mates will give you a friendly welcome once word gets around what you did.

[arick]

Can be return and get a VIP room at the hospital. For the month ?

[save the frogs]

11 hours ago, ryandb said:

 

It's a great way to scam money from good hearted people donating, like most animal charities/sanctuaries these days, massive villa on the beach in Phuket is a testament of this

 

Another guy who hates rich people.

He needed to invest his savings to open it, didn't he? He had to take risks with his money, no?

The animals are "retired" and need support, no?

Maybe he's overcharging? But you conclude it's a scam because you're jealous that he owns a villa?

 

[hotchilli]

Idiot lost everything he built up over something he should have avoided.