PHUKET, Thailand — A Swiss national convicted of assaulting a Thai doctor has fled the country after being sentenced to jail — and Thai authorities are under fire for apparently allowing him to slip through their grasp.
Urs Fehr, known in Thai media as “Swiss David,” was sentenced on May 23 by the Region 8 Court of Appeal to one month in prison without probation for assaulting Dr. Thandao Chandam outside a luxury villa in February. The court reversed a previous acquittal, citing clear evidence that Fehr kicked and verbally abused the doctor, who was seated near his residence.
A video of the incident triggered widespread public anger and demands for Fehr’s arrest and deportation. However, Fehr did not appear in court to hear the verdict. A warrant was issued — but it was too late.
Authorities now concede they have no idea where the Swiss man is.
- Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Akanit Danpitaksat refused to comment on Fehr’s whereabouts.
- Phuket Immigration Chief Pol. Col. Kriangkrai Ariyaying admitted, “I have no idea where he is.”
- Thalang Police Chief Pol. Col. Nikorn Chuathong, responsible for the area of the assault, said bluntly: “I haven’t seen Fehr around. I have no idea where he is.”
Officials confirmed that no travel restriction had been imposed during the appeal process — despite requests. Former MP Niphit Intharasombat said a ban had been requested but was never granted by the court.
“I knew from a court official that Fehr had already left Thailand,” Niphit told reporters. “No one had granted the request for a travel restriction.”
The case has sparked public outrage and intense criticism of Thailand’s legal and immigration enforcement systems, with many seeing Fehr’s escape as a clear failure of judicial and administrative coordination.
As of now, Interpol has not been engaged, and no extradition request has been announced.
Critics say the case illustrates how gaps in the legal system can allow convicted foreigners to evade justice, leaving victims without closure — and undermining public confidence in the rule of law.
