British Couple Relieved to Face Fine After Thai Assault Incident

Mary and Desmond Byrne, a British couple aged 69 and 77, were fined £200 each instead of facing imprisonment in Thailand after a violent altercation with neighbours. Their passports will be returned soon, allowing them to return to the UK, but they remain anxious about their travel following the incident. They had moved to Thailand for a peaceful retirement in 2021.

Mary and Desmond Byrne, a British couple aged 69 and 77, expressed relief after receiving a £200 fine each rather than facing imprisonment in Thailand following an assault incident involving their neighbours. The couple faced violent retaliation from kickboxing neighbours during a dispute over access to a shared garden in December 2023, but they were charged for injuries sustained in the altercation, leading to their conviction.

Tim Maley, Ms. Byrne’s brother, announced that their passports would be returned soon, enabling the couple to return home. The authorities had confiscated their passports during a police raid at their residence, compelling the Byrnes to sell their villa to cover legal fees.

Although their situation has improved, Mr. Maley noted that the couple remains anxious about their travel back to the UK. “They are very nervous and won’t be popping any champagne corks yet,” he stated. The Byrnes emigrated from Middlesbrough to Thailand in 2021, seeking a peaceful retirement in Hua Hin, but their conflict with the neighbours escalated with serious accusations following the incident.

The Byrnes are relieved to have received a fine instead of facing jail time after the altercation with neighbours, which led to their conviction. Their passports will soon be returned, enabling their return to the UK. Despite this positive development, anxiety regarding their journey remains, reflecting the couple’s challenging experience in Thailand.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com