A light blue backhoe with a jackhammer fitted to its arm arrived at the scene today (Mar 5) and began breaking up the steps, reducing them to rubble.
A series of wooden steps leading to a wooden deck nearby were also demolished.
Both had been deemed to be on public land, and Pa Khlok Municipality last Thursday (Feb 29) issued a notice of 30 days to have the steps removed.
All beaches in Thailand by law are public land, for all people to use and enjoy.
The steps had become one focus of attention in the Fehr case. Since the news of the Fehr case broke nationwide, people have travelled to have their photo taken on the steps.
Further, more than 500 people gathered at the beach on Sunday (Mar 3) to protest ‘rich foreigners’ claiming ownership of ‘private beaches’, with the focal point yet again being the concrete steps.
Thandao Chandam, a 26-year-old doctor at Dibuk Hospital, was moon watching with a friend at Yamu Beach in Pa Khlok on Feb 24, Makha Bucha Day. The pair were sitting on the concrete steps in front of Fehr’s rented luxury villa when Fehr approached from behind.
Fehr kicked her in the back and yelled obscenities at them, Ms Thandao said.
Ms Thandao filed a formal complaint at Thalang Police Station on Feb 25, the day after the incident. She returned to the police station with her father, Mr Kasem, to follow up progress in the case ‒ and to raise awareness of the incident with the press ‒ last Thursday (Feb 29).
Fehr was subsequently charged with “assaulting another person causing injury".
Fehr has denied the charge, saying he stumbled and his foot coming into contact with Ms Thandao’s back was accidental.
ACTION AFOOT
Meanwhile, Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong yesterday (Mar 4) assured that officials had carried out their duties “with fairness to both sides” in investigating the assault charge and the encroachment of the concrete steps onto public land.
“We must ensure there is no favoritism to any side,” he said.
“As for the next issue, there is the matter of checking [Fehr’s] right to stay, both in terms of his visa and the benefits of employment of foreigners,” V/Gov Adul said.
“Is anything considered to be a mafia, or doing anything illegal? Because there is digging. Each issue may be considered an act of threatening and intimidating others to cause fear, and we must check whether or not the actions are in violation of laws, and how,” he added.
“In addition, officials are checking the registration of the foundation [established to operate the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park in Cherng Talay, founded by Fehr],” V/Gov Adul continued.
“Officials have been ordered to check whether it is a legal operation or not. If anything is found to be incorrect, the foundation will be revoked,” he said.
A collection of officials inspected the elephant park yesterday, and found no breaches of any animal protection laws. The operations of the elephant park, which has 73 employees, were all deemed legal.
V/Gov Adul said yesterday that Fehr’s current permit to stay was set to expire “around March 10-13 ‒ oddly not a specific date, which Immigration stamps are renowned for.
“If the various court proceedings have not been completed by then, approval will be considered in order for the legal process to proceed,” he said.
“But after all legal matters have been resolved, whether or not there will be a decision to not renew his visa,will be determined by the Immigration Bureau,” V/Gov Adul added.
“The Governor of Phuket Province has emphasised fairness and to protect the rights and freedoms of Thai people,. and has given orders to every district office and every relevant agency to carry out checks on foreign behaviour that is likely to affect security,” Voc Gov Adul warned.
The crackdown comes via orders from the Minister of Interior, he said.
“Officials are to take action against mafia groups or influential people who have threatening behaviour and engage in various illegal occupations,” he added.
FROM THE TOP
The incident involving Swiss expat Urs Fehr sparked orders from the country’s leading figures to take corrective action.
National police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol said on Sunday (Mar 3) he had ordered Region 8 Police and the Phuket Tourist Police to investigate the case. He said the units were told to gather facts surrounding the alleged assault and ensure the investigation against the Swiss man is swift.
Pol Gen Torsak said he also instructed Phuket Provincial police COmmander Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum to launch a probe into alleged misconduct by local police in Phuket, who some say accept bribes from foreigners on the island to let them pursue illegal activities.
He said he would also direct the Royal Thai Police Inspector-General to conduct an investigation as well to ensure transparency and prevent criticism that police were protecting each other.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul last Sunday warned foreigners living in Thailand to abide by the law or their visas would be revoked.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he instructed the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to step up measures to ensure foreigners comply with the laws.
Additional reporting from the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket)