Stairway to haven: Phuket villa steps draw curious visitors after Swiss man kicks Thai doctor
- Urs David Fehr was charged after he allegedly kicked Thandao Chandam and her friend, who were sitting outside a villa rented by him
- The incident has prompted widespread anger among Thais against Fehr, who later apologised for his action
A stairway in Phuket where a Swiss businessman allegedly hit a Thai doctor has become an unlikely tourist attraction following the incident that sparked protests from angry locals who denounced the expatriate and demanded his expulsion from the resort island.
Urs David Fehr was charged with assault after he kicked Thandao Chandam and her friend in their backs as they sat and relaxed on the steps outside a villa rented by him at Yamu beach in Thalang district late last month.
Fehr accused the two of trespassing on his property, but a police investigation revealed the structure was built on public land, prompting the building’s owner to demolish a part of the staircase.
Fehr said that he believed Thandao and her companion were Chinese tourists, who had previously intruded into his property.
His Thai wife reportedly berated the duo and Fehr also called the duo “local people” and his perceived slight of Chinese people caused an outrage.
Last Sunday, more than 500 people rallied against Fehr on Yamu beach, urging authorities to eject him from Phuket and restore public access to the stairway, Thai PBS World reported.