In the coastal province of Phuket, officials are taking decisive action against Swiss national Urs Fehr, owner of the Green Elephant Wildlife Foundation, by moving to revoke the foundation’s license. This move comes in the aftermath of an alleged assault on a Thai woman by Fehr on a local beach, compounding his legal woes, which already include the loss of his firearm license.
Governor Sophon Suwannarat has confirmed the cancellation of the foundation’s license, signaling intensified scrutiny into Fehr’s operations. The Green Elephant Wildlife Foundation, connected to the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park and established in December 2021, ostensibly focused on caring for injured elephants. However, its affiliation with the sanctuary and its overall activities have triggered official concerns.
The catalyst for this crackdown stems from an incident in which Fehr reportedly assaulted Dr. Thandao Chandam near his villa on Yamu Beach. While Fehr faces assault charges, he contends that any contact made was unintended. The situation is further complicated by allegations of illegal construction on the beach, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing dispute.
Phuket authorities are not only addressing the immediate concerns surrounding Fehr’s alleged assault but are also launching a comprehensive review of his financial dealings and the activities of his foundation. The Department of Special Investigation plans to delve into Fehr’s bank accounts, probing for any irregular financial transactions. This concerted effort reflects the commitment to uphold legal standards and ensure accountability in the handling of wildlife and conservation matters.
