Phuket –
A Swiss expat and his Thai wife have apologized to a Thai doctor and the Thai people for a viral kicking incident but the Swiss man still insists he slipped and the kick wasn’t on purpose.
A video of the incident can be seen here. It contains harsh language that could offend sensitive viewers.
Our previous:
Now for the update:
A press conference was held at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Friday (March 1st). Joining in the press conference were the Phuket Vice Governor Mr. Adul Choothong, Mr. David (Swiss national), and his Thai wife.
Mr. Urs Beat Fehr (David), 45, a local foreign businessman who owns an elephant sanctuary said in English at the conference “I love Thailand. I always support Thai people. I am Swiss but Thailand is my home. I did not realize that this incident would turn out to be such a major issue.”
TPN media notes the issue was one of, if not the most, currently trending stories on most Thai news networks, with the vast majority of social media commenters siding with the Thai doctor.
“I still stand by my statement that I did not intend to kick the doctor’s back. It was an accident because I slipped before my leg hit her back. I also have proof that I slipped as my toe was hurt too.” David said and then showed a photo of the injury at the conference.
“I responded angrily to this situation because there were many people who invaded my place before, almost every week. Two weeks ago, about seven Chinese nationals even entered the villa field and pool which is our private area.” David explained.
“So, that previous incident caused me great concern about my wife’s safety. I was very angry that I thought the doctor and her female friend invaded my place like those Chinese.” David added.
“I did not say any racist phases about ‘Local Thais’ as the doctor mentioned.” David also mentioned.
Meanwhile David’s Thai wife said at the conference, “I had already gone to bed when my husband asked me to come out. I had been sound asleep. I thought the two Thais were the same group of Chinese before and I agree that I said many words that were impolite to the doctor. I also lost control of my temper.”
“I did not know that she is a doctor. If I knew that she was a Thai doctor, I would have asked her to go into our villa to have some drinks.’ The wife added.
The couple also mentioned at the end of the press conference that they are very sorry for what they have done to the doctor and to the Thai people. The couple said they are willing to do anything to apologize for the situation.
Meanwhile, the doctor and her father from Nakhon Si Thammarat were in Bangkok interviewing with a Thai media channel and insisting on further legal action, but it remained to be seen if both sides would mediate with the assistance of Phuket officials.
Phuket officials have ordered the majority of the stairs involved in the incident to be removed as they state they illegally encroached on the beach.
