Thread: British couple who retired to Thailand are facing prison - after they were attacked

The Mirror link at the bottom reports it was in Hua Hin, the Darby and Joan Club of Thailand.

A British couple who retired to Thailand have been told they face prison - after their neighbours attacked them.

Mary Byrne, 69, and her husband Desmond, 77, say they were involved in an argument over access to a small garden with their neighbours.

In December 2023, a commotion in the couple’s garden led to them being kicked and punched. The incident was caught on CCTV and photos show injuries they suffered. Their neighbours initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty.

But in May last year, the Byrnes say they were called to a police station and notified they would be charged over injuring the neighbours.

The neighbours were Thai kickboxers, according to Ms Byrne, who added that a woman involved "continually stamped on my head" while Mr Byrne was "ferociously thumped 22 times".

"At one stage Des did kick his leg up in defence and as far as we know he did not have contact," Ms Byrne told the BBC. "I strongly believe, 100%, it was in defence."

The couple, who had emigrated from Middlesbrough in 2021, say they had their passports confiscated and their fingerprints taken at the police station.

"We were extremely shocked," Ms Byrne said. "The superficial injuries to both of these people is laughable.

"We are not pessimistic, we both know we've done nothing wrong. But we have to prepare for whatever they're going to do for us."

The couple are due to hear the outcome of the case against them in court on Wednesday.

The Byrnes’ former MP Luke Myer told BBC Radio Tees: "I'm doing everything I can to raise Mary and Desmond's case with the Foreign Office.

"Of course, it is a matter for the Thai legal system and we can't interfere with that.

"I think raising the profile of the issue is really important to make sure they are treated fairly and ultimately they are able to come home."

The Foreign Office said they are supporting the couple and are in contact with local authorities.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...-b2712737.html

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-...tired-34829722

it was actually in sam roi yort, about an hour south of hua hin. the attackers looked to be foreigners, or at least the male did.

hua hin is a delightful town, catering to visitors, both local and foreign, of all ages, and certainly preferable to the north or pattaya with their sordid reputations as perverts paradises.

Originally Posted by taxexile

hua hin is a delightful town, catering to visitors, both local and foreign, of all ages, and certainly preferable to the north or pattaya with their sordid reputations as perverts paradises.

home of the land villa scams. You’re as deluded as sausages

The neighbours were Thai kickboxers, according to Ms Byrne, who added that a woman involved "continually stamped on my head" while Mr Byrne was "ferociously thumped 22 times".

Who the heck counts exactly that they had their head stamped on exactly 22 times? Once or twice yes but not 22 times.

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

Who the heck counts exactly that they had their head stamped on exactly 22 times? Once or twice yes but not 22 times.

he must have watched the cctv footage.

It appears to be a cowardly and excessive attack but it's quite possible they risked a bit of biffo by behaving as if they were in the UK. My first guess would be Mrs. Byrne dialed things up without appreciating the danger.

Be that as it may, one wonders why they are being penalised rather than the attackers.

Probably connections. It will be about money and face.

Originally Posted by taxexile

it was actually in sam roi yort, about an hour south of hua hin. the attackers looked to be foreigners, or at least the male did.

hua hin is a delightful town, catering to visitors, both local and foreign, of all ages, and certainly preferable to the north or pattaya with their sordid reputations as perverts paradises.

Darby and Joan club AND Whoring on soi bintabhat. Eh. Smashing.

Originally Posted by taxexile

Be that as it may, one wonders why they are being penalised rather than the attackers.

From the Mirror link:

"The local couple were found guilty of assault and told to pay compensation, but the charge was then overturned and the couple charged with causing their neighbours, who are trained in Muay Thai, "superficial injuries and mental anguish".

and

"... there were no words of support or concern from the other locals, who simply told them to "go home". They said they had no better luck with the police, who wouldn't file their report. Eventually, they managed to charge the neighbours, but in July they were summoned to court and told they would be prosecuted instead".

Ah, quaint loveable spot is Hua Hin.

But as you are well aware, it wasnt Hua Hin, it was Sam Roi Yort, an hour to the south.

Heres a video of the beating.

Retired Brit couple in Thailand beaten to a pulp by neighbours in driveway row - but now THEY are the ones facing prison | The Sun

Same shit hua hin or Sam roi sort. Shitty place shitty people har har

Originally Posted by BLD

Same shit hua hin or Sam roi sort. Shitty place shitty people har har

Of course Australia has such a splendid history in supporting the native inhabitants over uppity whitey

BLD couldn't find Hua Hin on a map of Hua Hin. Looking at a Perth news website I would expect he has more to worry about over there.

They should have gone to Benidorm.
The only dangers there are crashing ones mobility scooter into another pissed up pensioner.

Originally Posted by armstrong

BLD couldn't find Hua Hin on a map of Hua Hin. Looking at a Perth news website I would expect he has more to worry about over there.

Yes, unhappy Eagles supporters. The Eagles, these days, are nearly as bad as Everton.

Bangkok Post - UK retirees endure legal ‘nightmare’ in Thailand

Originally Posted by misskit

Bangkok Post - UK retirees endure legal ‘nightmare’ in Thailand

Misskit you're not allowed to post Bangkok Post articles here.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Misskit you're not allowed to post Bangkok Post articles here.

??

harriet seems to be having another one of her 101,400 episodes.

Private joke, hence the emoji. Don't get yourselves all worked up.

If only there was a means of sharing private messages on here...

Harry posts a joke and only Harry gets it.

That's some fooking joke