[Image: handout]
A retired British couple living in Thailand say they have been warned to prepare for the worst—imprisonment—after they were viciously assaulted by their neighbours in a dispute that spiraled out of control.
Mary Byrne, 69, and her husband Desmond, 77, left Middlesbrough behind in 2021 for a peaceful retirement in Thailand. But what was supposed to be their dream escape quickly turned into a nightmare when tensions over a small garden and access rights erupted into shocking violence.
In December 2023, the Byrnes were alerted to a disturbance outside their home. When they stepped out to investigate, they were set upon—kicked, punched, and beaten in a relentless attack that was captured on CCTV, the BBC reports.
Their assailants, a younger couple, were no ordinary neighbours. They were trained Thai kickboxers. Mrs. Byrne recalls the horror: “She kept stamping on my head. Over and over. And Des—he 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,” she said.
“I strongly believe, 100%, it was in defence.”
Despite the brutal assault, justice initially seemed to be on their side. Their attackers were prosecuted and later pleaded guilty.
But in a stunning reversal, Thai authorities turned their attention to the Byrnes. In May 2024, they were summoned to a police station, fingerprinted, had their passports confiscated, and were charged with injuring their neighbours.
“We were extremely shocked,” Mrs Byrne said. “The superficial injuries to both of these people is laughable.”
While the British Embassy has told them the outcome could go “either way,” the uncertainty has left them feeling like prisoners in a foreign land.
“We can’t get out, we can’t leave. So in one way or another, we feel trapped,” Mrs Byrne said.
Former MP Luke Myer has taken up their cause, raising their 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.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed they are in contact with local authorities and providing support to the couple.
Despite the looming threat, Mrs Byrne remains resolute. “We are not pessimistic; we both know we’ve done nothing wrong,” she said.
“But we have to prepare for whatever they’re going to do for us.”
Their fate now rests in the hands of the Thai courts. The verdict—freedom or prison—will be decided on Wednesday.
[Source: BBC]
