Retired British couple in Thailand face prison after being attacked by kickboxers neighbors over dispute

Mary Byrne, 69, and her husband Desmond, 77, were involved in a physical altercation with neighbors regarding access to a small garden, according to reports by The Independent.

The incident, which occurred in December 2023, was captured on CCTV footage. The footage showed the couple being attacked by their neighbors, identified as Thai kickboxers. Initially, the neighbors denied the accusations but later pleaded guilty to the charges.

However, in May of the following year, the British couple learned they too would be facing charges for causing injuries to their neighbors. Subsequently, Thai authorities confiscated their passports.

A neighborhood in Thailand in 2017. Illustration photo by Unsplash

Mary claimed that during the altercation, a neighbor stamped on her head, while Desmond reportedly received multiple blows. She told the BBC that Desmond kicked out defensively, but insisted that his kick did not make contact.

The court ruling on their case is expected on Wednesday. The British Foreign Office has confirmed that it is providing support to the couple and is in contact with Thai officials.

Mary and Desmond Byrne moved to Thailand in 2021 to spend their retirement years.